Open Educational Resources

Create Your Own Open Educational Resources

Learning should be free and accessible to all.

WisTech Open supports Wisconsin Technical College System faculty and staff in creating, adapting, reviewing, publishing, and sustaining high-quality open educational resources that reduce textbook costs and improve student access.

Where to Start

Is Your Project a Good Fit?

WisTech Open supports statewide open educational resources. Resources built for a single course or college are best coordinated locally. Here's how to tell which path fits your idea.

Local College Projects

Local College Projects

Resources intended for one course, one program, or one institution should generally be coordinated through your college's OER contact.

  • Materials for a single course or program
  • Resources specific to one institution
  • Course-level supplements and adaptations
Statewide WisTech Open Projects

Statewide WisTech Open Projects

Best for resources with broad value across the Wisconsin Technical College System.

  • New open textbooks
  • Adaptations or remixes of existing OER
  • Resources aligned with statewide WTCS curriculum
  • Materials intended for adoption by multiple colleges
  • Projects requiring formal publishing and review support
Behind Every Project

What Support Is Available?

Accepted projects are backed end-to-end by the WisTech Open team, so faculty can focus on their expertise.

Editing and Copyediting

Support with organization, clarity, consistency, grammar, and publication readiness.

Copyright Review

Guidance on licensing, permissions, attribution, and the appropriate reuse of existing content.

Faculty and Peer Review

Chapter review and peer review by subject matter experts with relevant expertise.

Publishing

Support preparing and publishing accessible resources through WisTech Open platforms.

Multimedia / Learning Activities

Projects may include learning activities, images, videos, & other instructional materials.

Long-Term Sustainability

Accepted projects enter a sustainability pipeline and are reviewed every 3-5 years.

From Idea to Publication

How the Process Works

Every WisTech Open resource follows the same clear path — from a first idea to an openly published, actively maintained resource.

1

Develop Your Idea

Identify the course, student need, potential audience, and type of resource you would like to develop. Need help? Just ask.

2

Submit a Project Pitch

Share your proposal with WisTech Open as early as possible via our submission tool below or by contacting your OER contact.

3

Project Review

Projects are considered based on factors such as  value,  funding, curriculum alignment, feasibility, and long-term sustainability.

4

Development & Review

Accepted projects move through authoring, editing, copyright review, faculty review, peer review, accessibility work, and production.

5

Publication and Maintenance

Completed resources are published and incorporated into our sustainability process.

Funding and Compensation

Project Funding

WisTech Open projects are primarily supported through Wisconsin Technical College System and state funding. Authors, reviewers, and other project contributors may receive compensation when funding is available and the project is approved through the WisTech Open governance process.

Please note: submitting a proposal does not guarantee immediate funding or project approval. Every idea is welcome, and early proposals help shape future opportunities.

A Public Good

Why OER Matters

Open educational resources change what's possible for students and faculty across Wisconsin.

01

Remove Cost Barriers

Students can access required course materials without purchasing a traditional textbook.

02

Provide Day-One Access

Students begin the course with immediate access to learning materials.

03

Support Student Success

Open access helps reduce barriers that can interfere with participation and achievement.

04

Give Faculty Flexibility

Faculty can adapt and customize openly licensed content for their students and curriculum.

05

Encourage Statewide Collaboration

Faculty across WTCS colleges can share expertise and develop resources together.

Next Anticipated Funding Round
Approximately July 2027

Project ideas may be submitted earlier so they can be considered for current or future opportunities.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can submit a project pitch?
Any faculty or staff member within the Wisconsin Technical College System is welcome to propose an open educational resource — whether it's a brand-new textbook, an adaptation, or a set of supporting materials.
Do I need a finished draft before pitching?
No. Pitch as early as possible — even at the idea stage. Early conversations help WisTech Open plan support, review, and potential funding around your project.
What if my resource is only for my own course?
Resources intended for a single course, program, or college are usually best coordinated through your college's OER contact. Statewide-value projects are the focus of WisTech Open.
Will I be compensated?
Authors, reviewers, and contributors may receive compensation when funding is available and the project is approved through the WisTech Open governance process. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee funding.
How long does a project take?
It varies by scope. Accepted projects move through authoring, editing, copyright and peer review, accessibility work, and production, then enter a sustainability pipeline reviewed every three to five years.
Get Involved

Have an Idea for an Open Education Project?

Tell us about the resource you would like to create, adapt, or expand. Share as much or as little as you have — early ideas are welcome.