Grant will expand resources for open education

By UVA Library |

The UVA Library, in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education, is embarking on a new IMLS-funded project to develop a collaborative community hub, designed as a dynamic resource to support librarians, educators, and technologists in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and open educational resources (OER).

The project will feature:

  • a comprehensive knowledge base,
  • a curated resource repository,
  • and a platform for ongoing discussions on technical, ethical, and legal issues.

The project will also include an AI-OER Fellowship Program, which will convene practitioners to test AI tools, share insights, and contribute to establishing best practices in the field.

Existing tools for open education

Beyond this project, the Library offers comprehensive support for all aspects of open educational resources:

  • We provide expert guidance on finding, using, and creating OER, and we help educators incorporate open pedagogy into their teaching practices.
  • With generous support from the College of Arts & Sciences, we license and support Pressbooks, an open publishing platform.
  • We also assist with navigating the complexities of intellectual property and copyright laws, ensuring that educators can share and use resources freely.  

Information sessions are listed on the Library events calendar, and will be added through the year. Consultations can be scheduled directly with Bethany Mickel and Judy Thomas — just write to lib-oer@virginia.edu on any matter relating to open education.

Learn more about ways the Library assists instructors with open education.

Spring 2025: Join the learning community!

This spring, consider joining our learning community focused on OER and the impact of AI on accessible, innovative education.  We’ll explore strategies for adopting and adapting OER and delve into the potential of AI tools for customization and creation. 

Whether you are new to OER or an experienced practitioner, this community provides a space for the sharing of insights and participation in the shaping of open education at UVA.  This community is co-facilitated with our colleagues in A&S Learning Design & Technology. 

Email lib-oer@virginia.edu to be notified when the signup becomes available for spring 2025.