Interactive Open Educational Resources: A guide to finding, choosing, and using what's out there to transform college teaching (E-book and book) by Open Educational Resources (OERs) are "freely accessible, openly licensed documents and media that are useful for teaching, learning, and assessing as well as for research purposes." (Wikipedia, Feb. 8, 2017)
University of Hawaii student feedback on the use of Open Access Resources in class
The sources listed below offer a range of materials for use and remix. They include textbooks, lesson plans, full courses, and more.
Open Access Textbooks
Textbooks have always been expensive, but the cost of textbooks has risen over 800% in the last 8 years. USM Libraries and the USM Bookstore support faculty in moving to open access, online textbooks. Many sources exist, while faculty are encouraged to produce their own textbook and place it in USM's Digital Commons for open access to all everyone.
Print Textbooks
Most USM textbooks are only available in print form. While the Bookstore carries copies for purchase, USM Libraries now provides one Reserve copy of many 100 and 200-level textbooks for use in the library. Check with the library of the campus where the class taught.
Faculty are encouraged to help the library expand its collection of textbooks and keep that collection current by donating their desk copy of current textbooks Reserve access by students.
Want to create your own course materials? The University of Southern Maine has Instructional Design and Support staff who can help you design and create the course materials that will work best for you.