If you decide to create a new OER, the most common way to ensure that your content will maintain copyright while also having the capability to be easily shared or modified by others in the future, is to create it under a Creative Commons License. When looking at materials under a creative commons license, be sure to keep an eye out for ND (No Derivatives) as these materials are able to be shared, but they cannot be modified!

While most OER are created in a digital format, it is important to remember that just because it's digital, does not mean that it is automatically accessible to all students. When using or creating an OER, it is important to keep accessibility in mind so that all students are able to use the content in a way that works best for them to be successful. 

To assist faculty through the process of locating, using, and creating accessible OER, we have gathered a variety of resources for you to reference.

It is easier to modify and adapt OER if it is broken up into sections as opposed to an overly large document. For example, if you create an OER textbook, section it off by chapters that can be individually accessed, as opposed to a large continuous document. This will make it easier for others to “mix and match” the things that they need from your OER material.

Be sure to check out some of these resources to provide you with additional knowledge as you begin your OER creation journey!

• Authoring Open Textbooks 
• The OER Starter Kit 
• The OER Starter Kit Workbook
• BCampus Open Education Self Publishing Guide