The Birth of Open Educational Resources Movement
The term "Open Educational Resources" (OER) was coined during a UNESCO forum, marking the beginning of the 0ER movement aimed at promoting free access to educational materials.
2002
2005
Launch of the OER Commons Platform
The OER Commons platform was launched, providing a centralized repository for educators to share and access 0ER materials, thus fostering collaboration and resource sharing globally.
2007
The Cape Town Open Education Declaration
The Cape Town Open Education Declaration was adopted, calling for the adoption and use of OER to improve education worldwide and emphasizing the importance of sharing educational resources openly.
2009
The establishment of the OER Foundation
The OER Foundation was established to support the development and sustainability of 0ER initiatives, promoting the use of OER in higher education institutions globally.
2011
UNESCO’s 2011 OER Recommendation
UNESCO adopted the 2011 OER Recommendation, urging member states to promote the development and use of 0ER in education, highlighting its potential to improve quality and access.
2012
The Launch of the OpenCourseWare Consortium
The OpenCourseWare Consortium was launched, enabling universities to share course materials and resources as 0ER, significantly expanding the reach of open educational content.
2014
The Growth of OER Initiatives Globally
Numerous countries began implementing national strategies for OER, recognizing the importance of 0ER in enhancing educational access and equity.
2015
The Adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a commitment to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, further promoting the role of 0ER in achieving these goals.
2017
The Launch of the OER World Map Project
The OER World Map project was launched, creating a global map of OER initiatives, resources, and stakeholders, enhancing visibility and collaboration in the 0ER community.
2019
The Rise of OER in K-12 Education
The use of 0ER expanded into K-12 education, with schools and districts adopting open resources to enhance teaching and learning, demonstrating the versatility of OER across educational levels.
2020
Impact of COVID-19 on OER Adoption
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of 0ER as educators sought accessible online resources to support remote learning, highlighting the critical role of OER during crises.
2021
The Establishment of OER Research Hub
The OER Research Hub was established to provide evidence and insights on the impact and effectiveness of 0ER, supporting data-driven decision-making in educational institutions.
2022
Increased Collaboration among OER Stakeholders
There was a notable increase in collaboration among universities, governments, and NGOs to promote and develop 0ER, fostering a more interconnected global OER community.
2023
The Launch of OER Global Conference
The OER Global Conference was held, bringing together educators, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the future of 0ER and its role in transforming education worldwide.
2024
Future Directions for 0ER Initiatives
As of 2024, the focus on 0ER continues to grow, with increasing emphasis on sustainability, equity, and the integration of technology in the development and dissemination of open educational resources.
