Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources (OER): Overview and Definition
Here are answers to basic questions about OER, the movement to share free educational resources and learning materials online.
Classroom Technology
'Knowledge Is Meant to Be Shared': The Case for Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources can save educators time and allow them to tap into the creativity of colleagues around the country.
Science
Elementary Science Materials Still Lag Standards. Could Free Resources Help?
Well-designed science materials could give elementary teachers critical support in the subject—and bolster goals for reading comprehension.
Education Funding
Opinion
How to Harness the Tremendous Potential of Open Education Resources
A textbook is no longer enough in many classrooms, writes Dan McDowell, but finding the right OER materials can be tricky.
Curriculum
Could Digital Resources Help Teachers Reach LGBTQ Students?
Some school districts and states are just beginning to think more broadly about how to best make sure that LGTBQ, non-binary, and other students are included in curriculum, professional development, and classroom discussions.
Professional Development
Teachers Nationwide Now Have Access to Open-Source Science Curriculum
For years, educators have complained that they lacked materials aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. But a new effort called OpenSciEd is slowly releasing a free, open curriculum that many say is high-quality.
Curriculum
Opinion
What Teachers Need to Know to Do Right by Queer Students
Students deserve an LGBTQ-inclusive education, but many educators don’t know where to start, writes Sabia Prescott.
Classroom Technology
Digital Content, Open Resources, Cybersecurity, and Makerspaces: That's What's on This Superintendent's Mind
Superintendent David Schuler is always trying to see what’s next in technology, but with a critical eye on its effectiveness and cost.
Classroom Technology
Ed-Tech Problems Open Doors for Entrepreneurs to Solve Them
The only way an ed-tech company can have a meaningful impact in schools is by addressing a specific problem and offering a real solution.
Special Education
Five Top Technology Trends in Special Education
Fueled by technological advances, policy changes, and pressure from advocates, companies and researchers craft new tools and strategies to serve students with disabilities.
Curriculum
How Districts Can Incorporate Open Educational Resources
For states and districts aiming to incorporate open educational resources into schools, a new report offers tips and best practices.
Curriculum
'Open' Curricula Offerings Expand to Social Studies
The Core Knowledge Foundation has unveiled a free, downloadable social studies curriculum in grades 3-5.
Equity & Diversity
News in Brief
Calif. District Opens Resource Center to Help Those Eligible for DACA
California's fourth-largest school district last week unveiled its Dream Resource Center to support undocumented immigrants.
Standards
Can an 'Open' Math Curriculum Compete With Commercial Publishers?
A middle school math curriculum created under an open license goes live—and its creators want it to give the big publishing houses a run for their money.
Curriculum
Amazon's Open Educational Resources Website Gets Off to a Slow Start
A year after it was first announced, Amazon's open educational resources site, Inspire, is ready for teachers to use - mostly.