ExplOER Nevada 2026: Transforming Education Beyond Textbooks for a Brighter Future

Mark your calendars for Nevada’s second open education symposium, ExplOER Nevada! This free virtual event is set for Friday, March 6, 2026. It’s a chance for educators, librarians, and students to dive into how open education is changing teaching and learning in colleges.

This year’s theme, “Reimagining Learning Beyond the Textbook,” emphasizes the transformative potential of open education. It’s all about finding new ways to teach and making education more equitable.

The planning committee invites educators to submit proposals that fit this theme. Here are some suggested topics:

• Open pedagogy practices
• Engaging students with open assignments
• Creating open educational resources
• Implementing those resources
• Facilitating open education

Presenters can opt for different session formats: demonstrations, individual talks, or panel discussions. Sessions can last 5-60 minutes, and student presenters are encouraged. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, with the first reviews starting on December 19.

Sharing your work is a great way to inspire others. Whether you’re trying out open assignments or leading new initiatives, your insights can contribute to a broader conversation about education in Nevada.

The event will feature a keynote by Karen Cangialosi, an advocate for open education and a professor emeritus at Keene State University. She has been pivotal in adopting open educational resources, especially in biology courses. Her talk will provide inspiration to educators looking to innovate in their teaching practices. Participants will learn how open education can enhance equity and student engagement.

Open education is gaining traction across the U.S. as institutions seek better ways to help students succeed. Besides cutting costs, it empowers teachers to craft flexible and engaging learning experiences, fostering collaboration between educators and students.

ExplOER Nevada is more than just a conference; it’s a community. Here, educators can connect, share strategies, and support one another in overcoming challenges. As noted by Teresa Schultz, a Scholarly Communications Librarian, “We’ve seen a lot of growth in open education at the University in the last five years. This symposium is a fantastic opportunity for collaboration.”

The planning committee welcomes all faculty, regardless of their experience with open education. Whether you’re curious, just beginning, or actively leading initiatives, there’s something here for you. Your participation helps shape a more affordable and innovative higher education landscape.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Scholarly Communications & Social Sciences Librarian Teresa Schultz at teresas@unr.edu.

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