Open Educational Resources (OER) are a great resource for anyone looking to learn new skills, work toward a degree, or advance their career. These free courses are self-paced, allowing learners to study on their own schedule. They can help you prepare for online course work in a given subject, or for a prior learning assessment (PLA) method of earning credit. No textbooks or subscriptions required.
Open educational resources have a variety of advantages that make them highly appealing for educators, students, and institutions. OER are free to access, which can significantly reduce the financial burden on students and institutions by replacing costly textbooks and materials. Being openly available online, OER can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection, fostering inclusive education and reaching underserved communities. Many OER include interactive elements, multimedia resources, or supplemental materials that make learning more engaging.
A multitude of open educational resources can be found online, including well-known and broad-based methods like OER Commons. OER Commons is a public digital library that offers open educational resources for educators and learners worldwide. In addition, platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, and LinkedIn Learning provide a variety of OER courses.
OER Electives
Open educational resources (OER) offer a wide range of elective courses across various subjects. Here are some examples:
- Creative Writing: Courses that focus on storytelling, poetry, and other forms of creative expression.
- Environmental Science: Electives that explore sustainability, climate change, and ecological systems.
- Digital Photography: Classes teaching photography techniques and editing skills.
- Introduction to Philosophy: Courses covering fundamental philosophical concepts and thinkers.
- Personal Finance: Electives that teach budgeting, investing, and financial planning.
- Introduction to Psychology: Explore the basics of human behavior, cognition, and emotions.
- Coding for Beginners: Learn programming fundamentals in languages like Python or JavaScript.
- Art Appreciation: Understand the history and techniques behind various art forms.
- Music Theory: Study the structure and elements of music composition.
- Entrepreneurship: Gain insights into starting and managing your own business.
- Health and Wellness: Learn about nutrition, exercise, and mental health practices.
- Astronomy: Discover the wonders of the universe, from stars to galaxies.
OER Credits
You can earn college credit through Open Educational Resources (OER), but it depends on the institution and specific program of study. For example, platforms like Saylor Academy offer OER courses that align with credit-by-exam programs or prior learning assessments recognized by certain accredited institutions. Additionally, some colleges, such as Maricopa Community Colleges, integrate OER into their curriculum, allowing students to earn credits through designated “no-cost” or “low-cost” courses.
Here are some ways it works:
- Saylor Academy: This organization offers free OER-based courses that align with credit-by-exam programs like CLEP and DSST. Some of their courses are also recognized for credit by accredited institutions.
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Some universities allow you to use OER to prepare for PLA exams, which assess your knowledge and award credit if you pass.
- Open Course Options: Certain schools, like Thomas Edison State University, integrate OER into their degree programs, enabling students to earn credit through free online courses.
Several community colleges accept OER for credit, either by integrating them into their curriculum or offering credit-by-exam programs. Here are some examples:
- Maricopa Community Colleges: This network of colleges in Arizona offers courses that utilize OER, making education more affordable and accessible.
- Pima Community College: Also based in Arizona, Pima integrates OER into its curriculum to enhance learning and reduce costs.
- Foothill-De Anza College: Located in California, this college actively participates in OER programs and supports credit-bearing courses.
- Houston Community College: Known for its involvement in OER initiatives, this college provides opportunities for students to earn credits through OER-based courses.
Several universities accept Open Educational Resources (OER) for credit through partnerships or credit-by-exam programs. Here are a few examples:
- Thomas Edison State University: Known for its flexible credit transfer policies, this university integrates OER into its degree programs and accepts credits earned through OER-based courses.
- Charter Oak State College: This institution offers credit for OER-based learning and supports students in earning credits through prior learning assessments.
- Excelsior University: Excelsior accepts credits from OER-based courses and exams, particularly those recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).
- Sophia Learning Partner Schools: Many universities partner with Sophia Learning, which offers OER-based courses. Examples include Capella University, Liberty University, and Colorado State University Global.
Open Educational Resources are a convenient way for homeschool students to learn some different subjects that your parents don’t teach. Or maybe you need an extra course to strengthen your high school transcript in preparation for higher education. Check with your local college or university and see if they accept OER credits!
