Open Educational Resources (OER)

Open Educational Resources (OER) represent a transformative approach to education by providing freely accessible, openly licensed materials that can be used for teaching, learning, and research. OER encompass a wide range of resources, including textbooks, course readings, multimedia applications, and interactive learning modules. The primary aim of OER is to reduce the barriers to education by making high-quality resources available to anyone, anywhere, at no cost. This approach not only democratizes access to education but also fosters a culture of sharing and collaboration among educators and learners worldwide.

The concept of OER is rooted in the open education movement, which advocates for the removal of legal, financial, and technical barriers to educational resources. The adoption of OER can significantly reduce the cost of educational materials, which is particularly beneficial for students who might otherwise struggle to afford expensive textbooks and resources. Moreover, OER can be customized and adapted to suit specific educational needs, enabling educators to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the learning experience. By allowing for modifications and adaptations, OER also supports diverse learning styles and needs, making education more inclusive.

In addition to cost savings and customization, OER contribute to the enhancement of educational quality through the promotion of innovative teaching practices. Educators can leverage OER to experiment with new pedagogical approaches, integrate diverse materials, and stay current with the latest developments in their fields. The collaborative nature of OER encourages educators to share best practices, provide peer reviews, and contribute to the continuous improvement of educational content. Furthermore, the use of OER can foster critical thinking and digital literacy among students, as they engage with a variety of sources and formats. Overall, OER hold the potential to revolutionize education by making it more accessible, affordable, and adaptable to the needs of a diverse global learner population. 

PhDr. Pavel Bartoš, LL.M., DBA (Evropská akademie vzdělávání / European Academy of education)