Skip to Main Content
University of Auckland logo

Open Educational Resources (OERs)

Introduction to Open Educational Resources (OERs): what they are, why they matter, and how you can find, adapt, or create your own, including licensing guidance and publishing options.

What are Open Educational Resources (OER)?

Open Educational Resources (OERs) are teaching, learning, and research materials that are free to access and legally available for reuse, adaptation, and sharing. Examples include open textbooks, course modules, videos, assessments, and full courses.

The 5Rs

According to David Wiley’s definition, a true OER is one that is in the public domain (free to download, use, and share) or is licensed in a manner that provides everyone with permission to engage in the 5R activities:

  1. Retain – make, own, and control a copy of the resource (e.g. download and keep your own copy).
  2. Revise – edit, adapt, and modify your copy of the resource (e.g. translate into another language).
  3. Remix – combine your original or revised copy of the resource with other existing material to create something new (e.g. make a mashup).
  4. Reuse – use your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource publicly (e.g. on a website, in a presentation, in a class).
  5. Redistribute – share copies of your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource with others (e.g. post a copy online or give one to a friend).

 

Understanding OER CC-BY Melody Chin, SMU Libraries

Why OER?

  • Affordability
    • Ensures that all students have free access to essential learning materials, reducing financial barriers and helping to address textbook affordability.
    • Eases pressure on library collection budgets.
       
  • Equity and inclusion
    • Can reflect diverse cultures, languages and perspectives, including the use of gender-neutral language and Indigenous representation.
       
  • Enhanced learning outcomes
    • Teachers can tailor OERs to align closely with their curriculum, creating greater student engagement and more relevant learning experiences.
    • Studies show that access to OERs can support improved academic outcomes, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
       
  • Flexible, adaptable content
    • OERs can be revised, reorganised, or combined with other content to suit a range of learning environments, including blended, online and face-to-face teaching.
       
  • Supports collaboration and innovation
    • The open nature of OERs encourages sharing, remixing, and co-creating materials across institutions and disciplines.