Open Education Week

Beyond Cost Savings: How Open Educational Resources Support Student Mental Health
2026-03-02 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Oshawa, Canada, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Description
Textbooks can be expensive, stressful, and sometimes out of reach, and that pressure often shows up in students’ well-being and learning.
In this session, we’ll talk about how Open Educational Resources (OER) can ease some of that stress by giving students free, day-one access to course materials and more flexible, inclusive ways to learn.
Together, faculty and students will explore research, real examples, and small design choices that can make learning feel more supportive, human, and equitable. You’ll leave with practical ideas you can use right away.
Learning Outcomes

Describe how Open Educational Resources (OER) can reduce student stress and support mental well-being by giving examples from research and practice.
Identify strategies for using OER to create more equitable, flexible, and inclusive learning experiences in their own courses or studies.
Reflect on the impact of course materials on mental health and propose at least one actionable change they could make to support student well-being through OER.

Who should participate?
Faculty, students, instructional designers, librarians, and educational developers who are interested in how open educational resources can reduce student stress and create more inclusive learning experiences.
Google Meet Information
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ddu-wnki-ucm
Or dial: (CA) +1 587-797-8162‬ PIN: ‪854 299 637‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ddu-wnki-ucm?pin=9011646883513

Understanding the Full Potential of Open Access
2026-03-03 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Athabasca, Canada, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
Interested in publishing open access, but don’t know what it is or how to start? Join this informative, engaging publishing workshop hosted by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, an academic publisher for books and open access journals dedicated to Publishing Tomorrow’s Research Today.
Led by Melissa Wagner, (Vice President of Publishing Ethics & Research Integrity), Grace Long (Director of Journal Development), and Savannah Pecknold (Communication Coordinator of Open Science Publishing), this session will explore the different types of open access, Creative Commons licensing, predatory journal detection, submission and publication processes, open access funding solutions (including Open Access Agreements), and more.
This session is open for anyone interested in learning more about and becoming involved in open access publishing.

Be the change you want to see: Applications of Seamless learning. Research projects from the International Research Network for Innovative Sustainable and Seamless Education (IRN-ISSE)
2026-03-04 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Stockholm) | Lund, Sweden, Lund, Sweden
The International Research Network for Innovative Sustainable and Seamless Education (IRN-ISSE) is a global research partnership that began at mLearn 2018 at Concordia University in Chicago. The vision of IRN-ISSE is to build an international community of practice, inviting researchers and specialists to collaborate for the greater good, with a specific focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” The mission of IRN-ISSE is to study, support, inform, share, and implement research globally to improve access to and quality of education worldwide. The goal is to stand together and learn with and from each other, striving to remain at the forefront of innovative, sustainable, and seamless educational practice
The community has a global reach, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and India. The partnership is working on several initiatives, such as:

The Seamless Learning Experience Design Model, which identifies five themes relevant to designing a seamless learning experience: 1) seamless learning concepts, 2) positive concepts, 3) practical concepts, 4) human concepts, and 5) design concepts. Based on these five concepts, a Seamless Learning Experience Design (SLED) framework was developed.
Research and ongoing work include the “Be the change to see the change” (this was the theme for interviews and larger podcasts) initiative, and on-demand, driven learning.

What you can expect:
During this webinar, you will meet some of the partners in IRN-ISSE. You will hear about their research and ongoing initiatives. You will have the opportunity to discuss with the team and the audience the interesting changes in education, including those brought about by the AI era. You will also learn how you can become involved in the IRN-ISSE partnership.

Speakers:

Helga Hambrock. Dr. S Africa, Co-ordinator
Ebba Ossiannilsson, Prof. Dr. Sweden
Ioana Andrea Stefan, Dr. Romania
Karen Ferreira Meyers, Prof. Dr. Eswatini

… even more members from IRN ISSE

Contact: Ebba Ossiannilsson, Prof. Dr. Sweden
Ebba.Ossiannilsson@gmail.com
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/32914498970710?p=EBrRzeuucxkYlwaZtL
Meeting ID: 329 144 989 707 10
Passcode: [REDACTED]

La recherche en éducation ouverte: regards croisés francophones
2026-03-04 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | Montreal, Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Alors que l’éducation ouverte (ÉO) et les ressources éducatives libres (REL) font l’objet de communautés de recherche bien établies dans le monde anglophone depuis plus d’une décennie, le paysage francophone reste difficile à lire et peu structuré. Ce premier webinaire propose une table ronde réunissant trois intervenantes et intervenants aux perspectives complémentaires (Suisse, Canada, France), afin d’ouvrir la discussion sur les fondements, les cadres théoriques, les enjeux linguistiques, culturels et politiques de la recherche en ÉO.

Cette table ronde marque le lancement d’une série de webinaires de recherche portés par la Chaire UNESCO RELIA, visant à rendre visibles les travaux existants, à favoriser les rencontres entre chercheurs et chercheuses et à amorcer une cartographie de la recherche francophone sur l’éducation ouverte.
Équipe d’animation : Colin de la Higuera, titulaire de la Chaire UNESCO RELIA, Nantes Université
et Lucie Grasset, Chaire UNESCO RELIA, Nantes Université
Équipe intervenante : Barbara Class – Enseignante-Chercheure à l’Université de Genève – Suisse, Catherine Lachaîne – Bibliothécaire à l’Université d’Ottawa (Canada) et doctorante ainsi que Luc Massou – Chercheur en sciences de l’information et de la communication, et Conseiller à la DGESIP – France.

Making OER Count in Promotion and Tenure
2026-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Indianapolis, United States, Indianapolis, IN, United States
This lunch and learn organized by the University Library at the Indiana University Indianapolis is hybrid on Zoom and in UL1116 with lunch provided to in person attendees. Explore how OER creation and adoption can be positioned as meaningful scholarly, teaching, and service contributions in promotion and tenure reviews.
This event is done in collaboration with the Office of Faculty Affairs.

Sharing Research Differently: Mobilizing Knowledge with Open Educational Resources (OER) / Partager la recherche autrement : mobiliser les connaissances à l’aide des ressources éducatives libres (REL)
2026-03-04 11:30 - 12:45 (America/Toronto) | Ottawa, Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Open educational resources (OER) are transforming the way we teach, learn, and share knowledge. But what exactly are OER and why are they important for advancing knowledge mobilization?
In this bilingual session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of OER and their role in making knowledge creation more collaborative. You’ll hear from OER creators about their experiences, and we’ll highlight strategies to showcase OER contributions in your dossier for tenure, promotion, or funding applications.

Les ressources éducatives libres (REL) transforment la façon dont nous enseignons, apprenons et partageons le savoir. Mais que sont exactement les REL et pourquoi jouent-elles un rôle clé dans la mobilisation des connaissances?
Cette séance bilingue vous permettra d’explorer les principes fondamentaux des REL et comment elles favorisent une approche collaborative de création des connaissances. Vous entendrez directement de créatrices de REL qui partageront leur expérience et nous aborderons des stratégies pour mettre en valeur vos contributions REL dans votre dossier pour une demande de permanence, de promotion ou de financement.

OE Week Third Space OE: Creating Collaborative Learning Spaces
2026-03-04 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Regina) | Saskatoon, Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Turn students into co-creators and watch engagement soar. Get the blueprint for collaboration that works. Pre-registration is required. A recording will be available with a link sent out to all registrants.

Transforming Learning in an Age of Information Abundance
2026-03-05 14:30 - 15:30 (America/Regina) | Saskatoon, Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Dave Cormier shares strategies for teaching in the digital age. Help students thrive in an information-rich world.
Pre-registration is required. A recording will be available with a link sent out to all registrants.

Identificación, análisis, diseño y depósito de prácticas educativas abiertas (PEA)
2026-03-06 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Madrid) | Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Spain
Las prácticas educativas abiertas, enmarcadas en el movimiento de la educación abierta, se consideran clave para el impulso de la universidad digital, así como facilitadoras para fomentar el desarrollo de competencias digitales críticas. Desde este punto de partida, los resultados del proyecto estatal I+D “Competencia Digital Crítica: hacia la agencia para el aprendizaje a través de prácticas educativas abiertas” en relación a la identificación, análisis, diseño y depósito en repositorio institucional de prácticas educativas abiertas (PEA) en el contexto universitario español. Público destinatario: Profesorado y todos los perfiles profesionales que participan en el apoyo y la mejora de la docencia: personal de bibliotecas universitarias, servicios de publicaciones, institutos de ciencias de la educación, unidades de innovación y calidad docente, servicios de apoyo académico y tecnológico, y otros equipos implicados en los procesos formativos.

Open Source in Higher Education at SCaLE
2026-03-06 10:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Princeton, United States, Princeton, NJ, United States
New for SCaLE 23x: Open Source in Higher Education
Organized by the Apereo Foundation
Join us at SCaLE 23x, the largest community-run open source and free software conference in North America, for a brand-new Co-Located Event spotlighting one of the most vital frontiers for open source: higher education and research.
The Apereo Foundation, a longtime leader in open source innovation for academia, is proud to organize the inaugural Open Source in Higher Education Co-Located Event, bringing together educators, technologists, researchers, and open source contributors who are reshaping the future of learning and teaching, research, and campus infrastructure.
To attend Open Source in Higher Education purchase a SCALE pass.
Why This Matters
Colleges and universities have—and continue to be—fertile ground for open innovation, as exemplified by Linux and FreeBSD. From institution-wide platforms to grassroots departmental tools, open solutions are enabling academic communities to take control of their digital futures.
This event will explore how open source is:

Supporting collaborative development across institutions and disciplines
Enabling sustainable, mission-aligned technology on campus
Fostering open educational practices and tools for teaching and learning
Driving new opportunities for companies and projects entering the academic space

Schedule
Check out the full SCaLE Schedule here. You’ll find the Higher Education track in room 211 on Friday, March 6.

Friday, March 6, 2026 – 10:00 to 18:00

Student Voice: Results from the Fall 2025 Affordable Instructional Materials Survey
2026-03-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Mateo, United States, San Mateo, CA, United States
Our students are asking for our help! In Fall 2025, San Mateo Community College District (SMCCCD) conducted a district-wide student survey to understand the impact of the costs of instructional materials, as well as the impact that our ZTC and LTC courses are making in their lives.
The responses from students was overwhelming. Join us as we showcase the students’ experiences and how we are looking to make or suggest changes.

Open Education Talks- Utilizing GenAI and Technology in Supporting OE and OER
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Denver) | Calgary, Canada, Calgary, AB, Canada
Open Education Talks is a series of 15-minute lightning talks and digital posters about facets of open education. These talks aim to create an accessible, virtual space for conversations about open education. We welcome proposals from educators, students, administrators, librarians, instructional designers, and all other roles related to the design, delivery, and evaluation of open education in post-secondary institutions. We encourage student-led or partnered talks that showcase the critical role of student leadership and student-educator collaborations in open education. To register for these Zoom sessions, visit: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpfuuhqjsiE9xwLFkoS4uK-KLd0bwXMbkC
Utilizing GenAI and Technology in Supporting OE and OER

Beyond Openness: Transdisciplinary Collaboration as the Heart of Open Education in the Age of AI – Sandra Abegglen, Mohammadmadhi Zanjanian, Alexandra Poppendorf (University of Calgary – Alberta, Canada)
Building Trust Through AI Transparency in OERs – Amanda Grey and Karen Meijer (Kwantlen Polytechnic University – British Columbia, Canada)
Opterna: BCcampus Open GenAI Project – Elizabeth A. Childs (Royal Roads University – British Columbia, Canada), Robynne Devine, and Harper Friedman (BCcampus – British Columbia, Canada)
Thinking Outside the Box! Creating and Implementing a Secondary Database as a Teaching Tool for Dental Students – Nazlee Sharmin and Ava Chow (University of Alberta – Alberta, Canada)
A Critical Examination of the Economics of Open – Mima Diab (University of Calgary – Alberta, Canada)

AIRS OER Book Launch
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Brisbane, Australia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Be part of the celebration as we introduce a new resource aimed at enabling all learners to build strong library research skills.
Advanced Information Research Skills (AIRS) is an open educational resource (OER) designed to empower learners and researchers with the confidence and capability to navigate today’s complex information landscape. Whether you are a research student, supervisor, librarian, or research support professional, AIRS offers practical strategies and tools to help you, and those you support, develop advanced information skills that make a real difference in research success.
https://qut.pressbooks.pub/airs/
In this session we will showcase the AIRS OER and highlight practical ways it can support both students and educators.

Bridging knowledge gaps through collaboration: Wikimedia in South Africa and the UK
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Leeds, United Kingdom, Leeds, United Kingdom
This Knowledge Equity webinar focuses on advancing knowledge equity through Wikimedia initiatives and open education, with a particular emphasis on South African and UK perspectives. During this session we will explore how collaborative efforts between Wikimedia communities, Open Education and Open Research networks can:
• Empower local knowledge creation and representation.
• Address systemic barriers to access and participation in digital knowledge platforms.
• Highlight successful models of community engagement
• Foster cross-regional collaboration to build inclusive, sustainable knowledge ecosystems.
The session will look at practical strategies for increasing the reach of Wikimedia, the importance of language diversity, and the ethical dimensions of open knowledge production. We will also reflect on how global partnerships can support local and regional initiatives.
Tuesday 24 March, 12:00 – 13:00 GMT / 14:00 – 15:00 SAST

Guest speakers:
Herschal Jackson is the inaugural Executive Director of Wikimedia South Africa (Wikimedia ZA), leading the chapter’s transition toward greater professionalisation of its operation, strategic growth and the amplification of its presence within the global Wikimedia community.
Previously serving as Executive Coordinator of Wikimedia ZA, he strengthened organisational systems, advanced program delivery, and facilitated the 2023 Strategic Planning Meeting. He has played key roles in major initiatives, including co‑organising WikiIndaba 2024 and leading on SWiP Phase 2, a multilingual knowledge‑equity project supporting student contributors across South Africa and neighbouring SADC countries, working in their own languages.
Herschal was instrumental in guiding the development and ratification of Wikimedia ZA’s 2024–2026 strategy and established governance subcommittees to support its implementation. His leadership continues to shape a resilient, collaborative, and future‑focused chapter for Wikimedia ZA.
—
Lucy Crompton-Reid joined Wikimedia UK as Chief Executive in October 2015, where she has spearheaded a focus on equity and inclusion on Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects. Lucy leads the charity’s work in advocating for a healthy online information ecosystem, and promoting Wikimedia as an important tool in the development of vital media and information literacy skills.
Lucy sits on the British Library Advisory Council, the Board of Advisors for the Khalili Foundation and the External Advisory Board for AI For Collective Intelligence (AI4CI), a UKRI National AI Research Hub. She also Chairs the local arts charity where she lives in rural Scotland.

How Do Course Materials Impact Student Belonging? Insights from User Experience Research (CCCOER Webinar)
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Concord, United States, Concord, MA, United States
Explore how course materials – especially OER – shape students’ sense of belonging through insights from a user-experience-informed research study with undergraduate learners. This CCCOER webinar highlights key questions faculty authors should ask themselves about course reading language, organization, and purpose, in order to further student belonging.
Attendees will take away practical strategies for editing OER with student needs in mind, along with research approaches that can be adapted across higher education settings, including community colleges. This session offers a concrete example of how thoughtful inquiry can guide the creation of more inclusive, engaging, and student-centered course materials.
Presenters:

Sarah Hare, MLIS, Open Educational Resources Librarian, University of California, Santa Cruz
Alexandra Marcaccio, MA, MLIS, Atlantic OERLead, The Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries/Conseil des bibliothèques postsecondaires de l’Atlantique (CAAL-CBPA)

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join us on April 15. This meeting will be recorded and the recording will be sent out to all registrants as well as posted on the event web site..
This webinar is produced in collaboration with CCCOER’s Research and Impact Committee.
