Open Educational Resources - Global OER Logo

Global OER Logo

The design creates a common global visual idea, representing "subtle and explicit representations of the subjects and goals of OER". Its full explanation and reccommendation of use is available at the Global OER Visual Identity Manual. The half-circle shape calls on the idea of a rising sun and upward direction. The bottom section represents an open book cover, shown in a profile view. Its shape and variation in width recalls a common symbol of a flying bird, representing freedom, no borders, progress and diffusion. The three sheets of paper reinforce the idea of a book, a traditional resource of education. Its angle gives a notion of dynamism and movement towards the center of the picture. Following the sheets of paper, the three hands stand for the collaboration and collective knowledge involved in OER practices. Having the hands as the main focus of the logo reflects the main purpose of OER: human education.The increasing size of the hands show the increasing interest, development and use of OER. The overall aesthetic figure is highly iconic and identifiable in different sizes, in a balanced proportion that easily fits different applications. The main lines were drawn in an organic way, transmitting the human/personal role in OER, turning away from a technicist or materialist focus to create OER in the language and culture of the author.

The logo can be adapted for all of the world's languages. UNESCO initially released versions in the 6 UN official languages and Portuguese. User submissions for other languages are discussed and agreed at OER community in WSIS KC platform and uploaded to UNESCO page and Wikicommons page for OER logo versions.

This Global OER logo was created for the 2012 UNESCO World OpenEducational Resources Congress, at UNESCO HQ in Paris.