Explore what’s possible when knowledge is shared.
This guide is your starting point for exploring Open Educational Resources (OER) and the movement toward more affordable, adaptable, and equitable learning. OER are more than free textbooks, they’re an invitation to shape education in ways that fit your courses, your students, and your community.
No matter your role, teaching, learning, supporting, or simply caring about access, you are welcome here. The OER team is ready to help you discover resources, adapt them to your needs, or even create something new. Think of this as both a toolkit and a doorway: a place to explore, ask questions, and imagine what openness could mean for you at UTA.
This interactive book introduces the UTA community’s shared foundation for understanding Open Educational Resources (OER). Developed through nearly two years of collaboration with faculty, students, and campus partners, it’s designed as your very first step into open education at UTA.
Inside, you’ll learn what makes a resource “open,” why OER matter for affordability and equity, how open licensing works, and where to go next on your Trailblazers journey.
The OER Trailblazers Badge Program is a self-paced Canvas experience where you learn about OER through authentic practice and reflection. Each badge marks a milestone in your journey, helping you build skills, connect with the UTA community, and gain recognition you can share on your résumé, LinkedIn, or in class.
➡️ Learn More About the Badge Program
Choose from a collection of open learning materials—books, articles, guides, and interactives—designed to help you explore OER on your own terms. Whether you want a quick overview or a deeper dive, these resources are always available and ready when you are.
Keep your OER journey going by connecting with others across campus.
Join the OER Microsoft Teams – Be part of the conversation, share ideas, and hear the latest updates in real time.
Ask the OER Team – Have a question or need support? Reach out anytime—we’re here to help.
OER Community Events – Workshops, showcases, and receptions that bring Mavericks together to celebrate and grow open education.
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. For details and exceptions, see the Library Copyright Statement.
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