Some Ozarks Tech classes use free and openly licensed course materials instead of traditional textbooks. These materials help lower costs for you while maintaining high academic quality.
What Are OER?
Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research materials that are free to use and share. They are either in the public domain or licensed to allow others to reuse, adapt, and redistribute them.
Source: The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
How Do I Know If My Class Uses OER?
If your class uses OER, it will be listed in your course materials or syllabus. You can also check with your instructor or the Hamra Library if you’re unsure.
Some courses may combine OER with other low-cost or digital materials to reduce textbook expenses.
Why It Matters
Research shows that using OER doesn’t just save students money—it supports learning, too.
Dozens of peer-reviewed studies have found that students using OER perform as well as or better than peers using traditional textbooks. Students also benefit from having instant, unlimited access to their materials from the first day of class.
Need Help?
If you have questions about OER materials or want help finding them, contact the Hamra Library.