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Open Educational Resources (OER/ZTC/LTC)

This guide provides information about OER and a basic primer about copyright and fair use for instruction

OER Myth Busting

Myth #1: "You get what you pay for."

  • Fact: OER can be produced to the same quality standards as traditional textbooks
  • Fact: OER can be printed out to look just like a traditional publisher textbook for a fraction of the cost
  • Fact: OER is often much more accessible than publisher materials
  • Fact: Studies* have shown that students perform just as well with OER than with traditional textbooks

Myth #2: "Open textbooks lack ancillaries."

  • Fact: The Open Education community is actively working on producing ancillary materials where none exist.
  • Fact: MyOpenMath is comparable to My Math Lab
  • Fact: OpenStax books often come with instructor materials
  • Fact: Ancillaries are out there (Vision Resource Center, OER Commons, Merlot, etc.)

Myth #3: "OER does not articulate to CSU/UC."

  • CSUs-AL$ Affordable Learning Solutions
  • Visit Cool4Ed.org for more info
  • CSU + CCC Summit February 6th 
  • "For articulation purposes, the term "textbook" refers to the primary required reading materials students must master in order to complete a course. Some courses are organized entirely around single-source teaching aids...Other courses supplement a primary text with additional required texts"-ASCCC

Myth #4: "OERs are not sustainable."

  • Fact: OER is not going anywhere any time fast. Many publishers have begun creating OER curation and delivery services 
  • Fact: Institutions are beginning to consider OER as a contribution toward tenure
  • Fact: OERs themselves are easily updated with the times and students get to keep them even after the course ends
  • Fact: CC licenses allow for upkeep over time; small changes don’t require whole new expensive editions

  • AB No. 1809 Higher Ed Trailer Bill

    "Increased services for high-needs students may include the development of open educational resources and zero-textbook-cost degrees that reduce costs for students. Community college districts utilizing resources for this purpose are encouraged to first develop open educational resources and zero-textbook-cost degrees for courses..." https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB1809

  • WHCL developed both an AA-T in psychology and an AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education (thanks to OER grants)
  • Admin and board fully supportive of OER/ZTCDs
  • Approx. 40% sections offered in SP 19 were ZTC
  • Institutionalized OER Librarian position
  • OER Committee
  • Funding for one new ZTCD per year (stipends & PD)