Open Access Week is an opportunity for the academic and research community to continue to learn about the potential benefits of open access, to share what they’ve learned with colleagues and to help inspire wider participation.

In an effort to encourage open access and OER development, the North Dakota University System will be sponsoring two webinars during International Open Access Week, October 19-25.

• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1- a.m. CDT – OER Z-Degree & OER as a Tool for Social Justice – Presenters: Sybil Priebe, NDSCS; Virginia Clinton-Lisell, UND. Does NDSCS have a hidden Z-Degree? Sybil Priebe’s NDUS Fellowship project attempts to answer that question; she’ll share her preliminary research and what she’s dug up thus far. Open Educational Resources as a Tool for Social Justice – OER afford opportunities to make courses more inclusive. In addition to saving students money, OER are editable meaning that they can be adapted to be more diverse and to involve more active student involvement in class. Register for OER Z-Degree & OER as a Tool for Social Justice.

• Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. CDT – Getting Started With OER – Presenter: Abbey Elder, Open Access & Scholarly Communication Librarian, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Are you concerned about the cost of your current textbook and its impact on your students? Are you interested in exploring other material options for your course? This webinar will introduce you on getting started with open educational resources (OER). Participants will leave with an understanding of what OER are, how to find them, and best practices for evaluating and using OER in a course. In addition, the presenter will share some resources available for those interested in learning more, including her own “OER Starter Kit,“ a handbook for faculty. Outline: The Problem of High Textbook Costs, What the heck are OER?, Where do I find OER?, How do I use OER?, Q&A. Register for Getting Started With OER.

Follow up Webinar:

• Tuesday Nov. 10, 1 p.m. CST – Getting Started with OER Initiatives on Campus – Presenter: Abbey Elder, Open Access & Scholarly Communication Librarian, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. This webinar will focus on developing and creating an OER Committee on your campus, communicating with stakeholders, and other OER projects in the US. Resources will be provided. You do not need to have attended the Oct. 21 webinar to attend this one. Register for Getting Started with OER Initiatives on Campus.