Open Education Week (OE Week) returns to the University of New Mexico (UNM) from March 2 to 6, 2026. This global event aims to promote open education initiatives and ensure equitable access to knowledge for all. Educators, students, and advocates worldwide will engage in discussions, workshops, and activities that spotlight significant advancements in open education.
The week-long celebration features a diverse array of both in-person and virtual events. Participants can look forward to free book fairs offering literature in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Swahili. There will also be crafting sessions and webinars centered on Open Educational Resources (OER), advocacy, and audience-centered design.
Engaging Activities Throughout the Week
The New Mexico Open Educational Resources (NMOER) consortium, supported by the Department of Education, has organized a vibrant lineup of events for Open Education Week. Faculty, students, and community members are encouraged to participate and explore the advantages of OER and innovative learning practices.
Among the highlights of the week are:
– **March 2, 16:00-18:00** | Zimmerman 254: A crafting session titled “Zines & Paper Crafts Crafternoon” invites attendees to take a break from studying or working. Participants can engage in creative activities, including making zines. No pre-registration is necessary.
– **March 3-4, 11:00-13:00** | Smith Plaza: The Open Education Free Book Fair will offer a wide selection of books for UNM students. The Friends of the Public Library will provide free books, highlighting how OER is transforming educational access.
– **March 4, 14:00-15:00** | Zoom: A panel discussion named “Advocating for OER, One Step at a Time” features representatives from various New Mexico educational institutions. Panelists will share strategies for advancing OER advocacy, addressing both short- and long-term planning.
– **March 5, 10:00-11:00** | Zoom: “Getting Started with OER” will introduce educators to the basics of OER. This session aims to show how OER can increase student engagement and retention while also reducing costs.
– **March 6, 11:00-12:00** | Zoom & Frank Waters Room, Zimmerman 105: “I wrote this…For You: Framing Audience(s) for Your Open Education Resources” will guide participants in understanding their audience when creating OER. The session will emphasize the importance of considering audience needs and potential impacts on learning.
Celebrating Progress in Open Education
These events exemplify the transformative power of open education in dismantling barriers to learning and fostering collaboration. They aim to create more inclusive educational environments and promote the sharing of knowledge across diverse communities.
As UNM celebrates Open Education Week, attendees are invited to engage in a global conversation about the future of education. For more details about OE Week and to register for events at UNM, visit the OE Worldwide site or access goto.unm.edu/oerevents.
