1.3 - OER Myths

Here is where we would like to address some common concerns about OER development and implementation. If you have any specific questions or concerns which are not addressed here or simply would like some clarification, please send an email, start a discussion thread, or hang on to it and ring it to the coffee-break discussion session.

Myth #1: Open simply means free

Fact: Open means the permission to freely download, edit, and share materials to better serve all students

Myth #2: All OER are digital

Fact: OER take many formats, including print, digital, audio, and more

Myth #3: “You get what you pay for”

Fact: OER can be produced to the same quality standards as traditional textbooks

Myth #4: Copyright for OER is complicated

Fact: Open licensing makes OER easy to freely and legally use

Myth #5: OER are not sustainable

Fact: Models are evolving to support the sustainability and continuous improvement of OER

Myth #6: Open textbooks lack ancillaries

Fact: Open textbooks often come with ancillaries, and when they do not, existing OER can provide additional support

Myth #7: My institution is not ready for OER

Fact: Any institution can start with small steps toward OER that make an impact for students

For more of an explanation about any of these myths, feel free to start a discussion thread or reference the article linked and cited at the bottom of this page.

SPARC (2017). OER Mythbusting. Washington, DC: SPARC. Links to an external site.