Licensing
When you find materials online, if there is the standard copyright logo, it means you cannot use it without explicit permission from the source.
If there is no standard copyright logo, check out this one page PDF that explains
what the different copyright licenses are in OER course materials:
OER Licensing
For more information, visit Workshops.
Where to Find OER
A simple search will list many resources. The source must be free, with no expiration date, and available to download without any login. Below are some examples:
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By subject compilation by the OER team: OERResourcesBySubjectV2.pdf
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OASIS (new)
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JSTOR from the SMC Library Database (requires SMC login)
OER Courses at SMC
At this time, courses listed below have adopted OER textbooks. Clicking the course title will link you to the adopted OER. Note in some cases, not all sections of these courses use OER. Check the Class Schedule for OER sections.
Astronomy 1: Stellar Astronomy with Laboratory
Biology 21: Cell Biology
Chemistry 11: General Chemistry 1
Chemistry 12: General Chemistry 2
Communication Studies 11: Elements of Public Speaking
Communication Studies 16: Small Group Discussion
Computer Science 3: Introduction to Computer Systems
Computer Science 15: Visual Basic Programming
Computer Science 17: Assembly Programming
Computer Science 20A: Data Structures with C++
Computer Science 50: C Programming
Computer Science 52: C++ Programming
Computer Science 81: Internet Programming
Computer Science 85: PHP Programming
Computer Science 83R: Server-Side Ruby Web Programming
Computer Science 87A: Python Programming
English 1: Reading and Composition 1 (Other materials)
Economics 2: Principles of Macroeconomics
Library 1: Introduction Library Research Methods
Physics 6: General Physics 1 with Lab
Physics 7: General Physics 2 with Lab
Sociology 1: Introduction to Sociology 1
OER in the Class Schedule
Check the Class Schedule for OER sections.
Currently, course sections that adopt an OER will be marked in the schedule of classes. A note will be added under each section that states: "Above section uses an Open Educational Resources (OER) textbook that is free." This is a state requirement, as per SB1359.
Course materials that cost less than $60 may be identified as low cost. More details to come on this.
If a course using an OER requires supplies to be purchased, the course can still be marked as OER.
This helps students identify these sections to sign up for them given this frees them from the burden of paying for costly textbooks.
Printed OER Textbooks
Students who wish to use a printed version of the OER book, may purchase one from the bookstore.
Printed copies of OER textbooks will be available at the library for students to borrow if the faculty adopting the OER completed the steps for this option.