Introduction

The great promise of Creative Commons licensing is that it increases the pool of content from which we can draw to create new works. To take advantage of this potential, you have to understand when and how you can incorporate and adapt CC-licensed works. This requires careful attention to the particular CC licences that apply, as well as a working understanding of the legal concept of adaptations as a matter of copyright.

Being open enables educators to use the resource more effectively, which can lead to better learning and student outcomes. OER can be remixed and adapted, meaning that they can be updated, tailored and improved locally to fit the needs of students – for example, by:

• translating the OER into a local language
• adapting a biology open textbook to align it with local science standards
• modifying an OER simulation to make it accessible for a student who cannot hear.

The ideas of remix and adaptation are fundamental to education. Creative reuse of materials created by other educators and authors is about more than just seeking inspiration; we copy, adapt and combine different materials to craft education resources for our students.