Open Educational Resources (OERs) are teaching, learning, and research resources released under an open license that permits their free use and repurposing by others. OERs can be textbooks, full courses, lesson plans, videos, tests, software, or any other tool, material or technique that supports access to knowledge.
How are open educational resources used?
Students can access OERs online for free or affordable cost, download and keep a digital copy, and print or purchase a low-cost hardcopy.
Educators can curate, tailor, and share OERs to perfectly suit their curriculum, and share their innovations freely.
Authors can disseminate their work to a worldwide audience while still receiving attribution.
Source: SPARC Open Education Fact Sheet