Getting Started - OER 101 - Open Educational Resources (OER) - Lyman Beecher Brooks Library at Norfolk State University

There so many places to learn about Open Educational Resources (OER) and so many different aspects to consider that it can be overwhelming at times. Use these getting started pages to explore the topic and learn some of the fundamentals as you start your OER journey!

Steps to adopting OER materials

Step 1: Set aside time.
Searching for these materials takes time and persistence.

Step 2: Take a look to see if someone else has created a similar, complete OER course or textbook.

Step 3: Review your learning objectives.
Instead of focusing on the textbook that you would like to replace, focus on what you would like students to know or be able to do. You will likely need to search for several materials to address different topics or components of your complete class.

Step 4: Start your search online.
The Find OER Materials page has links to many OER sources.

Step 6: Look for library materials
eBooks, articles and streaming videos can fill in gaps.

Step 7: Consider creating and sharing your own OER.

Learn about OER and how to implement it

Faculty OER Toolkit
The Faculty OER Toolkit is an information resource about and guide to adapting and adopting Open Educational Resources. Included are definitions and examples, information about Creative Commons licensing, and tips on how to adapt and/or adopt OER for classroom use.
How to use Open Educational Resources, a course
This course walks you through techniques to incorporate Open Educational Resources (OER) into your teaching practice. The course will cover the fundamental aspects of OER including open licensing and public domain. It focuses on providing practical guidance in locating and applying openly available resources.
MERLOT Faculty Development
The MERLOT Faculty Development Portal, features educational resources for teaching and learning in higher education, both in face-to-face and online environments. This collection contains materials covering teaching strategies, teaching challenges, instructional design, learners and learning and assessment.
OER Starter Kit
This starter kit has been created to provide instructors with an introduction to the use and creation of open educational resources (OER). The text is broken into five sections: Getting Started, Copyright, Finding OER, Teaching with OER, and Creating OER. Although some chapters contain more advanced content, the starter kit is primarily intended for users who are entirely new to Open Education. [Version 1.1. Revised September 5th, 2019.]
OER Tutorials
During the summer of 2020, CCCOER created a five-week series of OER tutorials. The archives for these sessions are below and are free and open for anyone to use. These are ideal for faculty, librarians, and instructional designers who are new to OER or need a refresher on basic concepts related to finding, adapting, and teaching with open educational resources.

OER about OER

Authoring Open Textbooks
This guide is for faculty authors, librarians, project managers and others who are involved in the production of open textbooks in higher education and K-12. Content includes a checklist for getting started, publishing program case studies, textbook organization and elements, writing resources and an overview of useful tools.
Foundations of Open Educational Resources
This starter kit has been created to provide instructors with an introduction to the use and creation of open educational resources (OER). The text is broken into six sections: What is OER?, Copyright & Licensing, Finding OER, Using OER at SAIT, Teaching with OER, and Creating OER. Although some chapters contain more advanced content, the starter kit is primarily intended for users who are entirely new to Open Education.
A Guide to Making Open Textbooks with Students
A handbook for faculty interested in practicing open pedagogy by involving students in the making of open textbooks, ancillary materials, or other Open Educational Resources. This is a first edition, compiled by Rebus Community, and we welcome feedback and ideas to expand the text.
The OER Starter Kit
This starter kit has been created to provide instructors with an introduction to the use and creation of open educational resources (OER). The text is broken into five sections: Getting Started, Copyright, Finding OER, Teaching with OER, and Creating OER. Although some chapters contain more advanced content, the starter kit is primarily intended for users who are entirely new to Open Education. [Version 1.1. Revised September 5th, 2019.]
Opening Up: A Fellowship for Open Pedagogy
This book describes the open pedagogy fellowship program at James Madison University.
Open Pedagogy Approaches: Faculty, Library, and Student Collaborations
This guide provides practical discussion about strategies for including student involvement with OER through open pedagogy.
The Rebus Guide to Publishing Open Textbooks (So Far)
The Rebus Guide to Publishing Open Textbooks (So Far) is a living repository of collective knowledge, written to equip all those who want to publish open textbooks with the resources they need. Representing two years of collaboration, innumerable conversations and exchanges, and a wide range of collective knowledge and experience, the Guide is a book-in-progress and will evolve and grow over time.

Can I Use That?

Norfolk State University, Copyright 101
The Norfolk State University Communications and Marketing Office will provide information about best practices involving copyrighted material, but the decision to use them will be solely on the department making the request. If any University department chooses to use copyrighted materials, they will be responsible for any fines or legal consequences should the owner of these materials choose to sue the university for copyright infringement.

Fair Use Checklist
This checklist is not a substitute for legal advice and does not insure against liability for copyright infringement. Rather, this checklist is a tool to assist in making a determination of whether fair use exists for a proposed use.
Fair Use Fundamentals
Fair use is an important right that provides balance to the copyright system and supports the constitutional purpose of copyright to "promote the Progress of Science and the useful Arts." The Fair Use Fundamentals infographic explains what fair use is, why it is important, who uses fair use, and provides some examples of fair use.