Anthony Buenning, Professor of English, Communication and Humanities, brings a thoughtful and nuanced perspective to the use of Open Educational Resources, particularly in the study of early British literature. When he first explored OER, he was struck by a key challenge—many available texts rely on older public domain translations that can be difficult for students to read, especially for those learning English as a second language. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, Buenning embraced the opportunity to adapt and refine these materials to better serve his students. By editing texts, adjusting annotations, and even incorporating student feedback into the process, he transforms OER into more accessible and meaningful learning tools. He has been especially encouraged by moments when students engage deeply with the material—reading footnotes, incorporating them into their essays, and pushing beyond surface-level understanding. With OER removing cost barriers and providing immediate access to texts, his classroom can shift focus from decoding language to exploring broader themes and connections to students’ lives. For Buenning, being part of the OER movement reflects a larger belief that education strengthens society when it is more widely accessible, and he sees open resources as a powerful way to reduce barriers while also demystifying the complexities of literature and the public domain for his students.
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OER Week 2026 Spotlight: Anthony Buenning
By Alexa Moulakis | Mar 23, 2026

Anthony Buenning, Professor of English, Communication and Humanities, is using OER to open the door to classic literature—adapting materials so students can engage more deeply and connect with the bigger picture.