Open Education
Expanding educational opportunities is more possible now than it has ever been before. Through the internet, learners can find information instantly on virtually any topic, educators can share their knowledge with students on another continent almost as easily as in their own classroom, and educational materials can be disseminated to a worldwide audience at virtually no marginal cost.
Open Education encompasses resources, tools and practices that are free of legal, financial and technical barriers and can be fully used, shared and adapted in the digital environment. Open Education maximizes the power of the internet to make education more affordable, accessible and effective.
Impact of Affordable Course Materials by the Numbers
In 2023-2024, free or low-cost course materials were used in 690 course sections, impacting 14,679 students enrolled, resulting in $1.71M savings to NIU students. Learn more about affordable course materials.