You Can Read This, But It’s Not Yours: Reconsidering the Adaptability Requirement for OER
Program Type
Event
Start Date and Time
11-5-2026 8:00 AM
Program Description
A widely used definition of OER states that they must allow anyone to make adaptations of any kind; works with an ND license are not considered OER by this rule. But does this definition need to be reassessed? There are a variety of reasons that authors may not want to grant that blanket permission while still operating in the spirit and general practice of open education: respecting Indigenous knowledge, ensuring accurate translations of information about trans and gender diverse people, preventing censored versions of healthcare textbooks, and more. In this lightning talk, the presenters will go over a few of these reasons and raise questions about the limitations of the adaptation requirement. They will draw specific attention to the impact on authors and readers of material about marginalized groups. The goal of this talk is not to demand a new definition of OER, but to encourage reflection on whether the current one’s limitations are serving the field well. Learning outcomes: Consider expanding definitions of OER to be more flexible and account for current issues/ Understand some reasons an author may not want to grant blanket permission to adapt a work /Develop thoughtful processing about community significant resources
You Can Read This, But It’s Not Yours: Reconsidering the Adaptability Requirement for OER
A widely used definition of OER states that they must allow anyone to make adaptations of any kind; works with an ND license are not considered OER by this rule. But does this definition need to be reassessed? There are a variety of reasons that authors may not want to grant that blanket permission while still operating in the spirit and general practice of open education: respecting Indigenous knowledge, ensuring accurate translations of information about trans and gender diverse people, preventing censored versions of healthcare textbooks, and more. In this lightning talk, the presenters will go over a few of these reasons and raise questions about the limitations of the adaptation requirement. They will draw specific attention to the impact on authors and readers of material about marginalized groups. The goal of this talk is not to demand a new definition of OER, but to encourage reflection on whether the current one’s limitations are serving the field well. Learning outcomes: Consider expanding definitions of OER to be more flexible and account for current issues/ Understand some reasons an author may not want to grant blanket permission to adapt a work /Develop thoughtful processing about community significant resources
