Open Educational Resources (OERs)

As an online student, you may be searching for more ways to lower the overall cost of your college education. Besides affordable tuition rates for online degrees, utilizing open educational resources (OERs) helps reduce costs even more. Aimed to provide high-quality, easily accessible learning materials to all students, OERs are no-cost learning materials that can be used and edited, typically without requiring permission.

So, what exactly are open educational resources? How can usage reduce the overall cost of your online degree program? And where can you find them?

What are Open Educational Resources?

A Brief History of OERs

The history of open educational resources goes back to 1994, when the concept of learning objects entered discussions with educators and instructional designers. Learning objects promoted the idea that course materials could be easily reused in different teaching situations when created in a digital format. A few years later, the California State University system launched the Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) project to provide free online higher education course materials.

Open Educational Resources

The term open educational resources was first introduced by UNESCO at its 2002 Forum on Open Courseware. UNESCO defines OERs as “teaching, learning or research materials that are in the public domain or released with intellectual property licenses that facilitate the free use, adaptation and distribution of resources.”

Today, hundreds of universities worldwide use OERs, offering free university course materials online.

OERs can be created by professors, educational institutions, organizations, commercial publishing companies, governmental agencies, or individuals. With few ownership rights, usage of an open educational resource depends on its permissions. Many have a Creative Commons license or a similar public copyright license.

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Types of Open Educational Resources

Textbooks
Peer-reviewed articles
Non-peer-reviewed articles
Databases
Journals
Course materials
Full courses
Multimedia, such as audio, animation, and videos
Tests
Software
Modules
Lecture notes
Curricula
Syllabi
Projects
Assignments

The most common licensing for open educational resources is through Creative Commons. Some OERs are classified under public domain. However, other OERs licensed through Creative Commons may have some or all of these terms:

Attribution: Users must give credit when using materials, include a link to the licenses, and provide a notification if changes were made.
Non-commercial: The materials cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Share alike: If the material is altered in any way prior to being reshared, it needs to be distributed under the same license as the original.

How OERs Help the Cost of Textbooks

According to a 2018 survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Cengage, 46% of current and former college students surveyed said the cost of textbooks and course materials had a significant impact on their financial situation. Meanwhile, 41% of students said the costs had somewhat of an impact.

The cost of college textbooks has gone up substantially in recent decades. During the past decade, the price of textbooks has increased four times faster than the rate of inflation. Additionally, the National Center for Education Statistics says the average spent on textbooks and other course materials is $1,200 per year.

Part of the reason for the increase in textbook costs is that many include access codes, which unfortunately for students, expire at the end of the semester. The codes give students access to accompanying workbooks, other materials, quizzes, and tests. When it comes time to sell a textbook after classes end, as most students do, textbooks are nearly worthless with an expired access code.

Typically used in place of physical textbooks, open educational resources allow you to potentially save hundreds of dollars per course on learning materials — as long as the program uses OERs. Since materials are typically free of charge, your cost of textbooks for an online college course becomes significantly reduced. There are no access codes, either, allowing OERs to be reused by you and among peers and instructors with no time limitation for access to materials.

Where to Find Open Educational Resources

There are many websites that provide online access to digital open educational resources.

As an online student, using open educational resources in your program can be greatly beneficial for you. Readily available online, OERs allow low-cost easy access to high-quality learning materials that are curated by professors and organizations worldwide.

AS in Business Administration LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, IACBE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$399: Learn the fundamental business skills necessary for a career in business administration, including finance, economics, accounting, and more with the online Associate of Science in Business Administration degree program from Campbellsville University. Topics of study include accounting principles, fundamentals of microeconomics and macroeconomics, concepts and analytical tools used in finance, marketing concepts, human resource management, management principles, and more.
BA in Business LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$420: The Bachelor of Arts in Business program at Concordia University, St. Paul allows you to develop academic credentials as well as leadership, writing, and communication skills. You will explore core business principles in marketing, finance, management, law, economics, and accounting with an emphasis on international perspectives, environmental sustainability, and ethics. You will investigate various dimensions of business decisions by delving into case studies and developing solutions to situations you may face in the business world.
BA in Business LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, ACBSP Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$420: The online Bachelor of Arts in Business from Notre Dame of Maryland University focuses on the latest business practices and theories, using case studies, consulting assignments, and a capstone course to give real-world knowledge you can apply immediately. Focus groups with leaders from major companies in different industries will teach you principles of data analysis, negotiation, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
BA in Business LocationVirginia Beach, VA Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationMethodist Cost Per Credit$399: Prepare for a career in the competitive, innovative world of modern business with the online Bachelor of Arts in Business from Virginia Wesleyan University. Gain the foundational skills you need to adapt, thrive, and contribute to any business environment as you explore economics, marketing, accounting, and more. The program is flexible but rigorous, pairing the hands-on learning you need to succeed in business with the ability to fit your studies into your already busy life.
BA in Business Administration LocationAurora, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$425.00: Aurora University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program prepares you for advanced career opportunities by enhancing your business acumen and problem-solving skills. The program provides you with a broad overview of topics, including accounting, finance, organizational behavior, human resources, marketing, and international business and is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience.
BA in Business Administration LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405.00: The online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program from Bethel University readies you to succeed in the high-opportunity world of business and finance. Featuring a rigorous curriculum, the program offers training in a wide variety of areas including accounting, business law, business communication, marketing, human resources, and more. Combined with biblical principles, the online program prepares you to work in a number of positions as a competent and ethical professional.
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BA in Business Marketing LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405.00: This online Bachelor’s in Business Marketing program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively to target audiences, develop promotional materials and implement successful marketing strategies. With a comprehensive curriculum that features core business topics and specialized marketing coursework, the online bachelor’s in marketing features an emphasis on social media and the latest industry approaches.
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$305: The online Bachelor of Business Administration degree program from King University is designed for adult learners who have earned some college credits and seek to finish their bachelor’s degree and enhance their business management knowledge. It prepares professionals for various career paths that require excellent business, communication, and critical thinking skills and the integration of management, administration, and strategy theory.
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACBSP Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$390: The online Bachelor of Business Administration degree offered by Southeastern University is tailored to students who are enterprising, goal-oriented and tech-savvy. This program, which is delivered in a completely online format, aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to keep a business or organization running smoothly and successfully. The core of the business administration curriculum includes foundational business concepts, communication best practices, and business management skills.
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BS in Business Administration LocationSeward, NE Accreditation(s)HLC, IACBE Religious AffiliationLutheran Cost Per Credit$350.00: The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program from Concordia University, Nebraska prepares you for a rewarding career in project management, leadership, accounting, finance, and more. You will study an innovative curriculum featuring open educational resources and real-world assignments, collaborating with their peers to apply key concepts to current problems facing organizations, with the goal of finding solutions that lead to successful business outcomes.
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RN to BSN LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$500: Designed for working nurses who seek to earn their bachelor’s degree, the online RN to BSN program at D’Youville College offers you a convenient and quality pathway toward elevating your career. The comprehensive curriculum teaches leadership skills within a service-oriented environment, and you will study topics such as vulnerable populations, evidence-based practice, and professional issues in nursing.
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RN to BSN LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Illinois College’s fully online RN to BSN program is designed to educate nurses for the needs of the future and covers a host of essential topics for advancing your education, such as bioethics, health policy, nursing research, and disease management. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
RN to BSN LocationCanton, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$260: Malone University’s online RN-BSN program is designed for working nurses seeking to advance their careers and finish their bachelor’s degree. As a working professional, you will grow in professional competence and Christ-like compassion as you learn from a comprehensive curriculum that combines academically rigorous classes with biblical principles.
RN to BSN LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$240: Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame College. Designed for working nurses, the program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills, and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization as you gain practical training in the field.
RN to BSN LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$375: Transform your nursing career and earn an in-demand degree with the online RN to BSN degree program from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your career opportunities in nursing while fulfilling the educational requirements of many healthcare employers. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
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RN to BSN LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Advance your nursing career and impact the lives of others with an ACEN-accredited RN to BSN online from Rivier University. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions and master’s-level educational opportunities. The program’s flexible, convenient format can be designed around professional and personal schedules. Students with an active RN license will be awarded transfer credit for their experience and can finish the program faster.
RN to BSN LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$200: Southeastern University’s online RN to BSN program offers working registered nurses the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree without interfering with their busy professional schedules. When you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you expand your knowledge and gain skills that are directly applicable to your nursing career. Become a top nursing professionals who provide the best possible healthcare services and patient care.
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RN to BSN LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$420: Concordia University, St. Paul’s online RN to BSN program advances the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals through an integration of learning and experience. Using a combination of theoretical inquiry and practical application, you will gain insight into ethics in healthcare, professional and evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, leadership, management, care coordination, and community health.
RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic-Franciscan Cost Per Credit$460: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
RN to BSN LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405: Bethel University’s RN to BSN online program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical training you need to take on more challenging roles in your workplace and advance in your profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s curriculum trains you in a host of areas required for the modern nurse, such as pharmacology, patient and family centered care, community-based nursing, global health, nursing informatics, and more.