About OER

What is Open Learning WV?

Open Learning WV promotes the use of Open Educational
Resources (OER) that are low- or no-cost course materials—such as textbooks,
videos, and full courses—that can be freely used, shared, and adapted by
instructors. By adopting OER, colleges help WV students save hundreds of
dollars each year while ensuring access to the materials they need to succeed.

What counts as OER?

OER can include:

  • Textbooks
  • Course Modules
  • Videos
  • Tests and assessments
  • Software
  • Other Tools and Materials that support learning
 

These resources are typically in the public domain or available under an open license, allowing broad use and adaptation.

OER in West Virginia

The West Virginia Legislature supports the adoption of OER to make college more affordable. The Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System offer grant opportunities for faculty to adopt or create OER, helping to expand access and lower costs for students across the state.

OER Grants Help WV Students

Number of Faculty
Adopting OER

307

Total Courses
Converted to OER

527

Number of
Students Impacted

12,812

Aggregate
Student Savings

$9.6M

(Since Spring 2021)

Course enrollments compared to the cost of course materials before OER implementation, show that students experienced an aggregate savings of $9.6 million. 

For every $1 spent on faculty grants, students save $18. This is unlike other scholarships or grants, where a $1 investment saves the student $1. In a survey of nearly 13,000 participating students, 98 percent reported the OER course materials were easy to access and 91 percent said having low- or no-cost options is important to their academic success.

OER Grants Help WV Students

85%
of students reported they typically spend more than $100 on course materials each semester and, of those 47% are typically spending more than $250 per semester.
70%
of students reported they have delayed or avoided purchasing course materials in the past and, of those, 64% said it was because they didn’t have enough money.
90%
of students said it was somewhat or extremely important that they did not have to purchase textbooks for class.
98%
of students reported it was easy to access the course material.
97%
of students thought the OER was of higher quality or the same quality as their normal materials.
79%

of students prefer future courses to have low-cost course materials, and 89% are more likely to take a course worth a low-cost option in the future.