Open Educational Resources (OER): Home

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning objects or materials that can be used for teaching, learning, assessing, or researching, and are openly available to (re)use.

Learning objects or educational materials that are freely accessible and available to anyone, does not necessarily classify them as OER. OER must be licensed in such a way as to allow reuse or redistribution of the material. This is often done using a Creative Commons license or other open license.

1. Retain - make, own, and control a copy of the resource (e.g., download and keep your own copy)
2. Revise - edit, adapt, and modify your copy of the resource (e.g., translate into another language)
3. Remix - combine your original or revised copy of the resource with other existing material to create something new (e.g., make a mashup)
4. Reuse - use your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource publicity (e.g., on a website, in a presentation, in a class)
5. Redistribute - share copies of your original, revised, or remixed copy of the resource with others (e.g., post a copy online or give one to a friend)

• Materials are accessible and available in many formats
• Ideal for students who have unique learning styles
• Low or no cost materials help students stay on budget and means they won't forego purchasing required course materials
• Access course materials anytime and from anywhere with an internet connection
• Ability for instructors to customize course materials and publish them under a Creative Commons License
• Facilitates online or digital learning

Textbook prices have increased significantly over the past few decades at a rate that has been well above the rate of inflation. In addition to textbooks, other course materials such as online homework platforms and required software may also be unaffordable for students. Students often must make difficult decisions about whether to purchase course materials, and these decisions can have serious consequences for their learning and their grades. High course materials costs can lead to inequity in the classroom, with some students able to afford access to important learning resources and others going without.

In Fall 2025, we surveyed undergraduate students from all faculties at McMaster to determine how much money McMaster students are spending on course materials, whether they are forgoing purchasing required textbooks and other required course materials, what they are doing instead, and how they are affected by high course material costs. This report documents our findings about the affordability of textbooks and other course materials based on the 2,757 responses received from undergraduate students at McMaster.

Findings of the 2025 McMaster Textbook Affordability Survey

If you have a question about use of OER in your teaching and learning please reach out to oer@mcmaster.ca.