Open Licensing
Open Educational Resources (OERs) are free to use. However, while there are no monetary costs, it does not mean no conditions are attached to using an OER.
You may be asked to reference the creator of the OER in question or not using the OER for financial gains by selling it to students. The information below provides an understanding of licensing issues that are particular to OERs.
The terms "open content" and "open educational resources" describe any work that is copyrighted that is either:
In the public domain; or
Licensed in a manner that provides everyone with free and perpetual permission, such as creative commons licensing, to engage in the 5R activities.
The 5 Rs or OERs
When using OERs remember the 5 Rs!
1. Reuse - Content can be reused in its unaltered original format
2. Retain - Copies of content can be retained for personal archives or reference
3. Revise - Content can be modified or altered to suit specific needs
4. Remix - Content can be adapted with other similar content to create something new
5. Redistribute - Content can be shared with anyone else in its original or altered format