Explore the dynamic world of Open Educational Resources and discover how OER Africa is driving the movement forward. This page is divided into two sections:
Articles: Our articles aim to deliver insights on OER-related themes that inform, spark conversation, and engage with the developing open education landscape, with a particular focus on Africa.
Updates: Below, the articles, you'll find updates on OER Africa’s latest initiatives, activities, and contributions to the OER community.
Articles
This section features targeted articles crafted specifically for educators, students, and the global Open Educational Resources (OER) community. The articles examine themes related to OER, offering insightful perspectives and information. The content seeks to inform, prompt discussion, and actively engage with the dynamic landscape of open education, particularly within the African context.
28 April 2026
A new tutorial from OER Africa shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can simplify and speed up the use of OER for academics. As universities across Africa explore both AI and OER to strengthen teaching and learning, this resource tackles a persistent challenge: the time and effort required to find, adapt, and share OER.
23 March 2026
The OER Foundation at Otago University in New Zealand (launched in 2009) officially closed in December 2025. Although this was a programme in a single institution, it can be seen as a symbolic event for open education. It has prompted Paul Bacsich, an experienced consultant in online learning, to produce an evidence synthesis report examining the systemic challenges facing OER. In this article, we unpack the implications of his analysis for the future of OER in Africa.
14 January 2026
As we turn our focus to 2026, OER Africa reflects on a year marked by growth and deepening partnerships across the continent. Our work has continued to champion open educational practices and strengthen the capacity of African institutions to engage meaningfully in the global open education movement.
23 October 2025
Open Education Global has recognised OER Africa’s outstanding work in advancing Open Education and awarded it OEGlobal Board Award for Organizational Leadership. The Award was specifically for Organizational Leadership. We are proud to be recipients of this prestigious Award and for the listing of OER Africa on the pages of 2025 Board Award Winners
22 October 2025
In early 2025, OER Africa launched the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Network, an initiative designed to connect higher education institutions across southern Africa in a shared effort to strengthen professional development for academic staff. Since its inception, the Network has convened seven times, bringing together representatives from five institutions.
24 September 2025
As African universities increasingly adopt Open Educational Resources (OER), the need for robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) has never been greater. Effective M&E enables institutions to track progress, demonstrate impact, and ensure that OER initiatives genuinely advance access, equity, and quality in education. This communication explores practical approaches to monitoring and evaluating the implementation of OER at Universities.
Updates
This section provides updates on OER Africa’s initiatives and activities. Stay informed about our contributions to the OER community and how we are driving the open education movement forward.
07 May 2026
Join the webinar with Prof. John Gardner, creator of the 'First-Year Experience' (FYE) concept and founder of the International Conferences on the First-Year Experience, on 11 May at 14:00. In this session, Prof. Gardner invites us to reflect on our roles as innovators in South African first-year higher education. He will outline the origins of the FYE movement in the United States, provide a global overview of the FYE, and then focus on its role in South Africa in advancing student success and social justice.
20 April 2026
OER Africa has developed a Glossary of Terms in Open Education featuring clear explanations of key concepts. It offers concise, accessible definitions with links for deeper exploration, making it a practical reference for anyone engaging with the concept of open education.
03 March 2026
On 9 March 2026 from 18:00 – 20:00, the University of the Free State will host a compelling public lecture titled 'Assessment After ChatGPT: A Practical Integrity Framework for Schools and Universities.' The event will also include a hybrid component, extending participation beyond the physical venue.
25 February 2026
From 2nd to 6th March 2026, the global open education community comes together for Open Education Week (OE Week), an annual celebration spotlighting the power of openness. As part of this global celebration, the 2026 Open Education Week Virtual Summit – hosted by the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) in partnership with OER Africa – will take place online on 3rd and 4th March 2026 under the theme Open Education, Open Possibilities.
10 February 2026
OER Africa’s Open Education Tutorials are short, practical, and engaging learning modules designed to support continuous professional development for anyone interested in open education. Whether you’re new to Open Educational Resources or are looking to deepen your practice, these tutorials provide clear guidance that you can apply immediately.
03 December 2025
It is with deep sorrow and profound shock that we announce the untimely passing of Dr Jennifer Anne Glennie on 2 December 2025.
Jenny, as she was affectionately known, was not only the long serving Founding Executive Director of Saide but also its heart and soul for over three decades.