Part 1: AI Use in Open Education

AI in Open Education: What’s Really Going On?

There are many beliefs, ranging from fantastically overoptimistic to wildly dystopian, swirling around the relationship between Generative AI and Open Educational Resources (OER) as of this writing in 2025. The reality is somewhere in-between, still to be determined, and highly contested. In this introductory module, we attempt to clarify the current state of the relationship between Generative AI tools and Open Educational Resources, break down how Generative AI works, and offer guidance for how responsible AI use can be accomplished when teaching and learning with OER.

Overview of AI in OER

The Overview of AI in OER chapter recounts the recent history of AI in American education, focusing on how the Open community is currently talking about and using AI. It lays out potential benefits and harms of using AI, along with some key facets of AI use that educators should consider.

AI Functions and Mindsets

The AI Functions and Mindsets chapter defines some key AI-related terms and breaks down how Generative AI works. It offers video and other resources that explain how AI can be used to develop teaching and learning materials, including a guide for effective prompt engineering and an interactive resource that can be used with students. The chapter ends by providing resources for choosing the right AI tools, ensuring ethical use of AI, and ensuring pedagogical quality.