Are OERs Really Free?
Open Educational Resources (OERs) are designed to be freely accessible educational materials. When it comes to Open Textbooks, they are often available at no cost to students, making them an attractive alternative to traditional textbooks. However, the term "free" can be a bit nuanced.
While Open Textbooks themselves can be downloaded and used without charge, there may be other associated costs. For instance, students may need access to technology, such as a computer or tablet, and internet connectivity, which might not be free. Additionally, printed copies of Open Textbooks, if needed, can incur costs despite the digital version being free.
Moreover, "free" in the context of OERs implies licensing that allows for reuse, modification, and redistribution. Most Open Textbooks are published under licenses like Creative Commons, which provide these freedoms while also requiring proper attribution to the original authors.
Therefore, while Open Textbooks are largely free to access and use, the overall cost may depend on individual circumstances and the choice of format. Nonetheless, they represent a significant step towards reducing educational costs and widening access to quality educational materials.