The Benefits of Open Educational Resources for Students and Teachers

28 June 2025

Let’s face it—education isn’t cheap. Between pricey textbooks, software licenses, and other learning materials, it’s no wonder so many students and teachers feel overwhelmed before they even step into a classroom. But what if there was a way to cut costs, improve access, and encourage better collaboration in education?

That’s where Open Educational Resources (OER) come in.

In case you're wondering, OER means free access to high-quality teaching, learning, and research resources. These can be textbooks, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, or even full online courses. The beauty of OER is that anyone can use, modify, and share them. That's a game-changer for both students and teachers.

In this article, we’ll dig into the real-world benefits of OER and why more educators and students are jumping on board.

What Are Open Educational Resources (OER)?

Let’s break it down. Open Educational Resources are any teaching and learning materials that are freely available and openly licensed. This means you can:

- Use them for free
- Customize them to suit your needs
- Share them with others
- Keep them forever

Think of them like a buffet—take what you need, tweak it to your taste, and serve it up however and whenever you like.

Some common types of OER include:

- Digital textbooks
- Online courses (like MOOCs)
- Interactive simulations
- Lecture notes and slides
- Assignments and quizzes
- Educational videos

And the best part? They’re free from typical copyright restrictions, because they usually come with Creative Commons (CC) licenses.

Why OER Matter: The Shift in Education

Traditional education resources often come with a hefty price tag. Students spend hundreds—sometimes even thousands—of dollars each year on books and materials. Teachers often face limited budgets, restricted access, and rigid course content.

OER shake things up. They allow for flexibility, personalization, and affordability that traditional materials just can’t match.

In a world that’s moving fast—think hybrid classrooms, remote learning, and digital-first education—OER are starting to look like the future.

Benefits of OER for Students

1. Cuts Down on Costs

This one’s a no-brainer. Traditional textbooks can cost a small fortune. OER, on the other hand? Completely free.

Imagine never having to buy another $200 textbook again. That’s not just great for your wallet, it also levels the playing field for all students, regardless of their background.

Money shouldn't be a barrier to learning. With OER, it isn’t.

2. Easy Access Anytime, Anywhere

OER are usually available online 24/7. That means no more lugging around heavy books or hoping the library isn't checked out.

Whether you're studying in a coffee shop, on your couch, or during a late-night study session, you can access materials on your phone, laptop, or tablet.

Got Wi-Fi? You’ve got a classroom in your pocket.

3. Personalized Learning Like Never Before

We all learn differently. Some of us need visuals. Others prefer reading or listening.

OER allow for different formats and approaches. Students can choose the content that works best for them—videos, PDFs, podcasts, you name it. It’s a flexible learning experience that meets you where you are.

Plus, many OER platforms are designed to be interactive, making learning more engaging and less of a snooze-fest.

4. Encourages Independent Learning

Because OER are open to anyone, students aren’t limited to what’s being taught in class. Curious about something? Just dig deeper through open resources.

It’s like having a never-ending encyclopedia—except way cooler, easier to use, and actually helpful.

Benefits of OER for Teachers

1. Freedom to Customize Content

Tired of outdated textbooks or being forced to teach content that doesn’t quite match your class?

OER give teachers the flexibility to modify, adapt, and remix content to better suit their students’ needs. You can cut out what’s irrelevant, add in current events, include local examples, and make lessons more culturally inclusive.

Think of it like customizing your playlist—only you’re creating the perfect learning experience.

2. Saves Time and Effort

Let’s be honest: teaching is already a full-time job and then some. Finding quality materials can eat up hours you don’t have.

OER platforms often have ready-to-use lesson plans, slides, and quizzes developed by educators just like you. That means less prep time and more time for actual teaching (or catching your breath).

3. Encourages Collaboration and Sharing

Teachers don’t have to work in silos anymore. With OER, you can share your materials with fellow educators, get feedback, and even co-create content.

It builds a sense of community and professional support across schools, districts, and even countries.

When we lift each other up, everyone wins.

4. Supports Lifelong Learning

OER aren’t just for students. Teachers can use them to upskill, stay current with new trends, and deepen their subject knowledge.

Want to know the latest in STEM education? Interested in refreshing your teaching strategies? There’s probably an OER course or tutorial just waiting for you.

Real-World Applications of OER

Still not convinced? Let’s check out how OER are making waves in the real world.

- MIT OpenCourseWare offers free full courses that anyone can download and use. Yep, MIT-level education with zero tuition.

- Khan Academy provides free video tutorials and practice exercises from math to science to coding.

- OpenStax gives students access to free, peer-reviewed textbooks for college subjects.

- Coursera and edX host courses from top universities, many of which fall under the open-access umbrella.

These platforms are reaching millions of learners worldwide. And the best part? They keep growing.

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Like anything, OER come with a few bumps in the road.

1. Quality Control

Not all OER are created equal. Some may be out of date or not peer-reviewed. Teachers need to vet resources carefully before using them in class.

That said, many platforms have high-quality standards and ratings from fellow educators.

2. Internet Dependency

You’ll usually need a decent internet connection to access OER. In areas with limited connectivity, that can be a challenge.

However, more platforms are offering downloadable versions to help bridge that gap.

3. Lack of Awareness

A lot of teachers and students simply don’t know OER exist. Promoting awareness and providing training can make a huge difference.

The Future of OER

We’re living in a digital age where knowledge is no longer locked behind paywalls. OER are pushing education toward a more open, inclusive, and flexible model.

Governments, schools, and universities around the globe are investing in OER to make education more accessible.

Expect to see OER become the norm in classrooms—physical and virtual—over the next decade.

Final Thoughts

Open Educational Resources aren't just another trend—they’re part of a bigger shift in how we think about education. They give students the freedom to learn without going broke. They offer teachers the tools to teach smarter, not harder.

It’s all about breaking down barriers, encouraging curiosity, and putting knowledge in everyone’s hands.

So whether you're a student trying to save money or a teacher looking for more effective ways to connect with your class—OER has something for you.

Education shouldn't be exclusive. With OER, it no longer is.