OERS AND INSTRUCTION
How to Use OERs for Instruction
Illustrative Examples: Looking for a map or chart? Plenty of OERs have helpful illustrations throughout them to help visual learners.
Assigned Readings: Under the Creative Commons License, you can take single sections from different OERs that fit your curriculum and easily put URLs in your syllabi.
Textbook or Lecture Supplements: Along with full textbooks, there are OER slideshows, recordings, and open access articles.
Create and Share Your Own Work: If you can't find the perfect fit for your class, but know exactly what you're looking for - make it yourself.
Evaluating OERs
A common criticism of OERs is their lack of standardized peer review process. While most repositories do have their own review process, you may still want to do your own research. Here are some common ways to evaluate an OER you may be interested in using:
Authority: Is the creator of the material provided along with their qualifications?
Accessibility: Can the content be viewed on multiple platforms? Can it accommodate ADA students who need to use special devices? Are students required to create an account or submit credit card information to get access?
Accuracy: Does the content have errors, typos, or omissions?
Alignment: Does the content support your teaching and learning objectives or match the level of your students' knowledge?
Objectivity: Is the content free of bias or is bias present?
Currency: Is the content up-to-date with a visible date of creation or review?
Coverage: Does the material address your topic sufficiently to be valuable for your teaching and learning objectives?