As generative AI technologies reshape how colleges and universities approach teaching, learning, and policy, higher education leaders are seeking guidance grounded in the values of open education—equity, transparency, and student agency.
DOERS Collaborative (DOERS3) has released a new report, Policy Priorities for Generative AI and Open Education: A Report for the DOERS Community, developed through focus groups and workshops with educators, administrators, and librarians across North America. The report offers a practical framework for understanding how AI intersects with open educational resources (OER) and open practices.
A Framework Grounded in Open Education
Rather than prescribing a single model, the report presents four guiding principles to help institutions evaluate and shape their AI strategies:
These principles highlight that AI integration is not a technical problem alone—it is a pedagogical and ethical challenge that must be guided by open education values.
DOERS Collaborative (DOERS3) has released a new report, Policy Priorities for Generative AI and Open Education: A Report for the DOERS Community, developed through focus groups and workshops with educators, administrators, and librarians across North America. The report offers a practical framework for understanding how AI intersects with open educational resources (OER) and open practices.
A Framework Grounded in Open Education
Rather than prescribing a single model, the report presents four guiding principles to help institutions evaluate and shape their AI strategies:
- Center Student Outcomes – Prioritize the immediate learning experiences and needs of students.
- Engage Critically with AI – Understand the capabilities and limitations of current AI tools—not just their potential futures.
- Let Pedagogy Drive Policy – Ensure that teaching goals shape how and when AI tools are used.
- Support Underserved and Marginalized Learners – Design AI policies that promote equity, inclusion, and flexibility for all students.
These principles highlight that AI integration is not a technical problem alone—it is a pedagogical and ethical challenge that must be guided by open education values.
Key Insights and Recommendations
The report outlines practical steps systems and institutions can take to align AI and OER policies, including:
Generative AI holds both promise and peril. While it will not solve every challenge in education, this report demonstrates that it can be integrated thoughtfully to help students—especially those historically underserved—thrive in new learning environments.
The report outlines practical steps systems and institutions can take to align AI and OER policies, including:
- Defining AI use clearly and transparently for both students and faculty.
- Building policies around activities rather than specific tools.
- Encouraging open pedagogy and experimentation within ethical, student-centered boundaries.
- Designing policy environments that can evolve as technologies and classroom practices change.
Generative AI holds both promise and peril. While it will not solve every challenge in education, this report demonstrates that it can be integrated thoughtfully to help students—especially those historically underserved—thrive in new learning environments.
About the Report
This work was produced by the DOERS Innovation Workgroup, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. It is intended to spark cross-sector conversations among systems, institutions, and classrooms about how to responsibly and equitably integrate AI in education.
Download the Full Report (PDF)
Download the Full Report (Word Version)
This work was produced by the DOERS Innovation Workgroup, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. It is intended to spark cross-sector conversations among systems, institutions, and classrooms about how to responsibly and equitably integrate AI in education.
Download the Full Report (PDF)
Download the Full Report (Word Version)
Contribute to Future Case Studies
DOERS is gathering real-world examples of how states, systems, and institutions are using generative AI in ways that align with open education principles. If your organization is developing or implementing such efforts, we invite you to share your story.
Share your story or express interest
DOERS is gathering real-world examples of how states, systems, and institutions are using generative AI in ways that align with open education principles. If your organization is developing or implementing such efforts, we invite you to share your story.
Share your story or express interest
