Digital resources for nursing education: Open courseware and massive open online courses

Open Courseware (OCW) and massive open online courses (MOOCs) are teaching and learning resources that are easily accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. OCW is digitally published learning content including full and partial courses (syllabi, outlines, lectures in pdf or video, slides, reference lists, etc.), simulations, animations, tutorials, drills and practices, modules, podcasts, case studies, and quizzes. This content is free and can be adopted or adapted to the user's needs. MOOCs are online learning experiences taught by university professors using conventional educational tools including video lectures, interactive modules, assignments, study materials, discussion boards, quizzes and tests. MOOCs are offered free or at low cost for personal and professional learning, and as a supplement to classroom teaching. Many MOOCs and OCW focus on topics of interest to nursing, particularly to nurse educators. This article provides the reader with a brief history of the development of OCW and MOOCs, conceptual descriptions, and guidance about how to access and use these new online resources.