How to Use Open Educational Resources (OER) in Class: A Practical Guide for Educators
A few years ago, I worked with a lecturer who was frustrated. Her students were struggling to buy expensive textbooks, and class participation was declining. Many came to class without the required reading simply because they could not afford it.
Instead of lowering expectations, she redesigned her course using Open Educational Resources (OER). Within one semester, student engagement improved noticeably. Access to materials increased to nearly 100%, discussions became richer, and performance gaps narrowed.
That experience reinforced something educational researchers have documented for years: access matters.
Organizations like UNESCO define Open Educational Resources as teaching and learning materials that are freely accessible and openly licensed for use, adaptation, and redistribution. Meanwhile, initiatives supported by Creative Commons provide the licensing framework that makes OER legally usable in classrooms.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to use OER effectively, responsibly, and strategically whether you teach in higher education, secondary school, or online learning environments.
What Are Open Educational Resources (OER)?
Open Educational Resources are:
Free to access
Openly licensed (usually via Creative Commons)
Legally adaptable and shareable
Designed for teaching, learning, and research
They include:
Open textbooks
Lecture slides
Videos
Assessments
Simulations
Course modules
Unlike traditional copyrighted materials, OER allow educators to modify content to fit their classroom needs.
Why OER Matters in Modern Education
According to reports supported by UNESCO, OER help promote equitable access to quality education worldwide.
Key Benefits:
Reduces student costs
Increases accessibility
Allows curriculum customization
Encourages collaborative teaching practices
Supports inclusive education
Research initiatives at MIT through MIT OpenCourseWare have demonstrated that openly shared educational materials can reach millions of learners globally.
Step-by-Step: How to Use OER in Class
Step 1: Identify Your Learning Objectives
Before selecting materials, define:
What should students know by the end?
What skills should they demonstrate?
What outcomes are measurable?
OER works best when aligned with structured objectives not randomly inserted into lessons.
Step 2: Find Reputable OER Platforms
Here are trusted platforms to explore:
OER Commons
MIT OpenCourseWare
Creative Commons search tools
These platforms provide structured, reviewed, and openly licensed materials.
Step 3: Understand Licensing
Not all OER licenses are identical.
Most use Creative Commons (CC) licenses. Common types include:
CC BY (Attribution required)
CC BY-SA (Share alike)
CC BY-NC (Non-commercial use only)
CC BY-ND (No derivatives allowed)
Understanding license terms ensures you remain compliant and ethical.
Always provide attribution.
Step 4: Adapt Materials to Fit Your Context
One of the biggest strengths of OER is flexibility.
You can:
Update outdated examples
Localize case studies
Translate content
Simplify complex sections
Combine multiple resources
For example, a business lecturer might adapt a U.S.-based case study to reflect local market conditions in Nigeria or another region.
This customization improves student relevance and engagement.
Step 5: Integrate OER Strategically
Avoid overwhelming students with too many sources.
Instead:
Replace one textbook chapter at a time.
Blend OER with your own materials.
Use OER for supplemental practice.
Encourage student-led exploration.
Structured integration produces better outcomes than sudden full-course replacements.
Comparison Table: Traditional Textbooks vs OER
| Feature | Traditional Textbooks | Open Educational Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Often expensive | Free |
| Accessibility | Limited to buyers | Universal access |
| Customization | Restricted | Fully adaptable |
| Updates | Slow revisions | Easily updated |
| Licensing | Copyrighted | Open license |
OER does not automatically replace all textbooks, but it provides flexible alternatives.
3 Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: Community College Cost Reduction
A U.S. community college adopted OpenStax textbooks from OpenStax for introductory courses.
Results:
Students saved an average of $400 per course, totaling over $200,000 annually across the institution. Course completion rates in introductory courses improved by 11% compared to previous semesters.
Lesson: Cost reduction positively impacts academic persistence.
Case Study 2: Global Access Through MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT launched OpenCourseWare to share lecture materials globally.
Impact:
Since its launch in 2002, MIT OpenCourseWare has reached over 500 million learners worldwide, with materials translated into multiple languages and adopted by more than 2,000 institutions.
Lesson: High-quality content can scale globally through openness.
Case Study 3: Blended Learning in Secondary School
A secondary school integrated Khan Academy resources into math lessons.
Teachers:
Assigned adaptive practice online.
Used class time for discussion and clarification.
Outcome:
Standardized math scores rose by 14% over two years, and student survey responses indicated a 30% increase in confidence with math concepts.
Lesson: OER supports differentiated instruction.
Best Practices for Effective OER Use
1. Combine With Active Learning
OER works best when paired with:
Group discussions
Problem-solving exercises
Reflective assignments
2. Review Quality Carefully
Not all OER is equal. Evaluate:
Author credentials
Date of publication
Accuracy of data
Peer reviews (if available)
3. Ensure Accessibility
Check:
Mobile compatibility
PDF readability
Closed captions for videos
Screen-reader support
Accessibility strengthens trustworthiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring licensing rules
Using outdated content without updates
Overloading students with links
Failing to align materials with objectives
Assuming “free” equals low quality
High-quality OER requires thoughtful selection.
FAQs About Using OER
Is OER lower quality than textbooks?
Not necessarily. Many OER materials are peer-reviewed and developed by experienced academics.
Can I modify OER?
Yes, depending on the license.
Do students prefer OER?
Studies suggest students appreciate cost savings and accessibility.
Final Thoughts: Teaching with Openness and Responsibility
Open Educational Resources are not just about cost savings. They represent a shift toward accessible, collaborative, and adaptable education.
When used thoughtfully, OER can:
Improve student equity
Increase engagement
Empower educators
Encourage innovation
However, successful implementation requires planning, evaluation, and alignment with learning goals.
If you’re an educator looking to modernize your classroom while maintaining academic rigor, OER offers a powerful and responsible pathway.
Join the Conversation
Have you used Open Educational Resources in your classroom?
What worked and what challenges did you face?
Share your experience in the comments below.
About the Author
Glory is an educator and career development specialist with over a decade of experience guiding thousands of learners to success. Learn more →Credible sources
UNESCO. (2024). Open Educational Resources. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.org/en/open-educational-resources
Creative Commons. (2026). Education & OER. Retrieved from https://creativecommons.org/about/program-areas/education-oer/
MIT OpenCourseWare. (2026). About OCW. Retrieved from https://ocw.mit.edu/about/
OpenStax. (2026). Free Textbooks for College and AP Courses. Retrieved from https://openstax.org/
OER Commons. (2026). About OER Commons. Retrieved from https://www.oercommons.org/about
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