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Open Educational Resources (OERs)

Types of OERs

Open Educational Resources (OERs) come in a variety of types and formats, reflecting the diversity of the educational landscape. Here are some examples:

  • Textbooks: These are often available as PDF files or in other digital formats that can be read on various devices. They may also be available in editable formats like DOCX or ODT.

  • Courses: Entire courses can be OERs. These often include a syllabus, readings, activities, and assessments. They may be delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) or a website.

  • Multimedia: This includes videos, audio lectures or podcasts, and interactive simulations. These resources can often be streamed online or downloaded for offline use.

  • Assessment Tools: Quizzes, tests, and other assessment tools can be shared as OERs. These can often be imported into an LMS.

  • Learning Objects: These are small, self-contained units of learning. They could be a video, an interactive game, a quiz, or a reading.

  • Images and Graphics: Photos, diagrams, infographics, and other visual materials can be OERs. They are often available in common formats like JPEG or PNG.

  • Data Sets: Researchers often share data sets as OERs. These can be used for analysis or as examples in teaching.

  • Software and Apps: Open-source software and apps used for learning or research can be considered OERs.

Remember, the key aspect of OERs is not just that they are free, but also that they are openly licensed to allow for reuse, revision, remixing, and redistribution. This flexibility is what makes OERs a powerful tool for education.

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