In a recent session from the OE Bootcamp, educator Karla McManus explored the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) and Affordable Educational Resources (AER) into art history teaching. The talk, hosted by the UROpenEd Program, highlighted how these freely accessible materials can transform the classroom experience by reducing costs and expanding access to high-quality content.
McManus demonstrated practical strategies for locating, evaluating, and adapting OER and AER to fit art history curricula. She emphasized that these resources not only alleviate financial burdens on students but also allow instructors to customize materials to reflect diverse perspectives and current scholarship.
The presentation covered tools for creating and remixing open resources, as well as considerations for licensing and attribution. Attendees gained insights into repositories and platforms where they can find art history texts, images, and multimedia assets.
This approach empowers educators to move beyond traditional textbooks, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. As the open education movement gains momentum, workshops like this equip faculty with the skills to leverage OER and AER effectively.