What is OER?

We know that paying for textbooks can be a burden, and we want to help. Since the beginning of the Spring Semester 2017, BHCC has offered a number of courses that use Open Education Resources (OER) that include textbooks, articles, videos, and other materials that are openly licensed and free to use. 

BHCC is one of 38 community colleges across the country that participated in the OER Initiative, which was sponsored by Achieving the Dream. The project aimed to boost college access and completion, particularly for underserved students.

So far, BHCC students have saved almost $2.5 million dollars by taking OER courses.

What is OER at BHCC?

Bunker Hill Community College has expanded the definition of “Open Education” to be more inclusive.

Our new definition is grounded in a framework of equity and cultural wealth. Our vision of open education at BHCC is education that offers students up to date, quality, and culturally relevant materials at the lowest possible cost. As we continue to adapt the OER Initiative to fit BHCC’s institutional context, we are taking our cue from colleges across the country that have moved to an Open/Low Cost/No Cost model.

The criteria for BHCC’s OER course designation had been revised to include: 

OER -- courses that use openly licensed material that is copyrighted in a manner that gives students and faculty free and perpetual permission to retain, reuse, revise, remix and redistribute original or revised content (also known as the 5Rs);

Low Cost -- courses that have a textbook cost of under $50; or

No Cost -- courses that have zero textbook costs.

Take an Open Ed Course @BHCC

You can browse for OER classes in the same way that you register for your other classes. When you are in Self-Service you can choose “Open Educational Resources (OER)” from the course “Type” menu on the left side of your screen.

Current students can also contact their advisor with any questions regarding registration for OER courses. You can find your advisor on the Advising Tab in Student Planning. Visit bhcc.edu/registration for how and when to register for classes.