There is a growing movement nationally to discard traditional, static textbooks in favor of open educational resources (OER) that allow educators to combine multiple sources to provide customized and localized learning for students. Work cooperatively among districts within Southwestern PA to accelerate the transition to OER and garner greater attention from OER providers. Make the #GoOpen commitment and create a strategic plan tailored to the specific needs of your district.
Building on the energy and support from the OER Summit held in May, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit invites you to join us in building a regional collaborative of early adopters using open educational resources. During the 2016-17 school year, the network will meet to confer with representatives from the US DOE, leading OER providers, and other consortia to build on their knowledge, expertise, and success.
Why OER?
Openly licensed educational resources, according to the U.S. Department of Education, have enormous potential to increase access to high-quality education opportunities. Switching to openly licensed educational materials has enabled school districts to repurpose funding typically spent on static textbooks for other pressing needs, such as investing in the transition to digital learning.
What is #GoOpen?
The U.S. Department of Education’s #GoOpen campaign encourages states, school districts, and educators to use openly licensed educational materials to transform teaching and learning. School districts that #GoOpen are committing to transition to using high-quality, openly licensed educational resources in their schools.
Make the #GoOpen Commitment
Commit to replacing at least one static textbook in the district during the 2016-17 school year and share strategies to the national #GoOpen community.
Create a District Team
Identify 3+ members that will attend quarterly network events to determine specific actions needed for your district.
National Recognition
Join a growing network of forward-thinking districts recognized nationally for their commitment to implementing openly licensed educational resources.
Receive Tailored Support
Throughout the year, attend free events with leading OER experts to support your district in planning, implementing, and adapting your strategic plan.
Questions? Contact:
Tyler Samstag
Dir. of Instructional Innovation
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
tyler.samstag@aiu3.net
(412) 394-5829
Kevin Conner
Curriculum and Instructional Technology Coordinator
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
kevin.conner@aiu3.net
