OA and OER in TUS: OA vs OER

Clarification of Free Cultural Works, Open Educational Resources and Open Access by Paul G. West, CC BY 4.0. Adapted from: Creative Commons, Open Licensing & Open Education, by Cable Green, CC BY 

All Open Educational Resources are Open Access not all Open Access material is considered OER.

Both OA and OER use CC licenses and fall under Copyright. The ND license prevents Open Access material from becoming OER. The non-derivative aspect of the license applied to the works prevents it from being adapted, re-used, re-mixed under the 5 Rs of OER.

What are the similarities between OA and OER?

• Both OA and OER provide free public access.
• Both aim to support education and scholarship by sharing knowledge.

What is the difference between OA and OER?

• OA focuses on research articles. OER focuses on teaching and learning.
• OA is scholarly books and articles. OER can range from a single learning outcome, image, and video to an entire textbook and educational program. OER includes scholarly articles and an entire journal.
• OA is online or downloadable documents. OER can take a variety of formats such as a document, content in a course management system (Blackboard, Canvas, and etc.), video, software, and simulation.

Adapted from "Unit 5: CC for Academic Librarians" by Creative Commons is licensed under CC BY 4.0