Open educational resources (OER) are any teaching and learning materials that are both free to access and openly licensed to allow for reuse and adaptation.
OER some in many forms, from courseware (lecture videos, lesson plans, and activities) to textbooks and even homework software. The use of OER can improve student engagement and success; provide immediate, equitable, and perpetual access to resources; save money for students; and empower educators to maximize flexible, high-quality learning materials in individualized curricula. The Iowa State University Library supports educators in identifying, using, customizing, creating, and publishing OER.
Iowa State University's Abbey Elder is a founding member of the Iowa Open Education Action Team, a group working to support the use of OER across the state of Iowa.
Iowa State University is a proud member of the Open Education Network, an international organization of higher education institutions working together to advance the creation and use of open textbooks.