North Carolina’s definition is specifically related to textbooks/full curriculum materials. North Carolina General Statute 115C85 defines a textbook as “systematically organized materials comprehensive enough to cover the primary objectives outlined in the standard course of study for a grade or course. Formats for textbooks may be print or nonprint, including hardbound books, softbound books, activity-oriented programs, classroom kits, and technology-based programs that require the use of electronic equipment in order to be used in the learning process.” Technology-based programs may include subscription or web-based materials. (SBE TEXT-000)

North Carolina considers Open Educational Resource materials to mean freely accessible resources with no or limited license restrictions.

The North Carolina Division of Exceptional Children defines assistive technology based on the definition from the U.S. Department of Education Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities and the Early Intervention program for Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities; Final Regulations (regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), March 12, 1999. Assistive technology device. As used in this part, Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. Assistive technology service. As used in this part, Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

North Carolina’s definition is specifically related to textbooks/full curriculum materials. State Board of Education to select and adopt textbooks: The Board shall select and adopt for a period determined to be most advantageous to the State public school system for the exclusive use in the public schools of North Carolina the basic textbooks or series of books needed for instructional purposes at each instructional level on all subject matter required by law to be taught in elementary and secondary schools of North Carolina.

Session Law 2013-12, House Bill 44: An act stating the intent of the General Assembly to transition from funding textbooks to funding digital learning in the public schools. As recommended by the legislative research commission study committee on digital learning environments in public schools. It is the intent of the General Assembly to transition from funding for textbooks, both traditional and digital, to funding for digital materials, including textbooks and instructional resources, to provide educational resources that remain current, aligned with curriculum, and effective for all learners by 2017.

North Carolina’s review process is specifically related to textbooks/full curriculum materials. The selection of textbooks consists of a review of systematically organized material comprehensive enough to cover the primary objectives outlined in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for a grade or course. Members appointed to the North Carolina Textbook Commission review textbooks that may be print or non-print, using evaluative criteria to select the best materials to support the goals and objectives of the Standard Course of Study. The Textbook Commission makes recommendations to the State Board of Education and recommendations adopted by the Board are placed on a state adopted list. Districts may leverage the state adopted list to make local textbook selections.

In 2015, DPI and the Friday Institute issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Learning Management System. As a result, DPI awarded the cooperative purchasing agreement to Instructure for its Canvas LMS. Term – March 30, 2015 to March 29, 2017 with one additional optional year available. Cost – $3.74 per subscriber.

The NC Department of Public Instruction manages the North Carolina Learning Object Repository (NCLOR) through collaboration with the Community College System. Home Base is North Carolina’s suite of digital classroom management tools and instructional resources for teachers, students, parents and administrators. Content from the NCLOR is available via the instructional improvement system of Home Base, as well as in NC Canvas Commons for districts who use Canvas LMS. NCWiseOwl serves as the portal for state provided subscription databases for student and staff information needs. As of October 2018, NC has contracted with ISKME/OER Commons to provide an OER repository microsite. This procurement is still in installation and initial implementation phases as of November 2018.