Understanding OER Course

In this course, you will begin to explore the definitions, concepts, and effective practices related to open educational resources (OER).
As you progress through this learning journey, you will learn basic definitions related to OER, review the benefits of integrating OER into your practice, and experience the stories of other faculty, students, librarians, instructional designers, and campus leaders who have integrated OER into their work.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Detail the characteristics of OER
• Recognize the benefits and opportunities of using OER
• Describe how OER can be used in teaching and learning
• Explain the principle of open pedagogy
• Initiate dialogue around OER use at your institution

At the conclusion of the course, if you have completed all the required coursework, you will receive a certificate of completion outlining the skills you have mastered. 

Please visit the course discussion board and introduce yourself and read the introductions of your fellow cohort members!

How to login: 

• An account has already been created for you.  
• Click on the discussion board link above --> Introductions --> Reply --> Login to LibGuides --> Identifier is your institutional email and Password is OERCourseSummer2025

🗓 June 16 – July 25 | 💻 Asynchronous Coursework with Friday Zooms at 3:30pm EST 

Led by Mars-Hill University's Dr. Chris Cain, Professor of Education & Director, Center for Engaged Teaching & Learning, and Kevin Mulhall, Director of Libraries 

This 5-week asynchronous course introduces you to the foundations of OER: what they are, how to find them, and how to thoughtfully adopt and customize them for your own courses. 

You’ll hear real-world stories from faculty, students, librarians, and instructional designers who have successfully made the switch—and learn how you can do the same. 

Weekly Topics: 

Week 1: Orientation 

Week 2: Understanding OER 

Week 3: Finding & Adopting OER 

Week 4: Customizing & Integrating OER 

Week 5: Start Building Your Course Using OER 

🎓 Bonus: Upon completion, you’ll receive a letter of achievement outlining your new skills—great for professional development or tenure/promotion portfolios. 

Live Sessions: 

June 20 

June 27 

[No meeting July 4] 

July 11 

July 18 

July 25 

All at 3:30pm EST on Fridays (join live or catch the recordings). 

This work, adapted by Kevin Mulhall (Mars Hill University) and Dr. Chris Cain (Mars Hills University), is adapted from "Leveraging the Benefits of OER" by Mike Daly and Phylise Banner on behalf of SUNY OER Services. The original work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. The adapted version by Kevin Mulhall and Dr. Chris Cain is also licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.