If you are new to OER, you may be wondering how to approach using them. The following is a step-by-step example of a common approach. Note the flexibility – you can use an existing OER (like an e-textbook) as-is, you can adapt (use certain pieces, add new content, re-write, etc.), or you can create your own from new or existing learning materials. Expand each section to learn more.
Step 1: FIND
- Start by looking for suitable resources that will contribute to your instructional objectives. Search dedicated OER repositories.
- Consider your own materials that may be available offline, including lecture notes, handouts and other resources prepared previously.
Step 2: COMPOSE
- With your collection of resources at your disposal, start piecing them together to create a learning resource or set of resources to meet your instructional objectives and learning outcomes.
- This is a creative design process of building an educational resource from scratch and/or using components you have found.
- You may wish to engage the instructional design as you think through your learning objectives.
- As you compose, OER Committee can support your work.
Step 3: ADOPT & ADAPT
- You may decide to use the OER that you compile “as is,” by printing or downloading them, or sharing the links with your students.
- You may also decide to adapt the resources to local needs, or even revise them later based on feedback once implemented.
- Your adaptations may involve minor corrections and improvements, remixing or adding new components, or even completely reworking the resources.
- Ensure the OER are accessible. Resources to assist you with this process are available from OER Committee or Distance Education Coordinators
Step 4: USE
- Through open licensing, OER opens up possibilities for new, more collaborative teaching and learning practices–because the materials can be used, adapted and shared within and across learning communities.
- As you implement OER in your courses, take advantage of these possibilities. Pair up with a colleague on the implementation of OER, invite peer and student critique of the materials, or engage students as co-creators in OER-based assignments.
- View some of the OER that have been created locally by Laney faculty, to get a sense of how OER are being used in other classes.
Step 5: SHARE
- Make your resources available for your peers and the open education community to find, and to begin the life cycle again.
- Add descriptors so that others can find and use the resource, and select the appropriate license for any new/adapted resources.
- Access online tools that can help you describe and share your resources. Try MERLOT, LibreTexts, and OER Commons.
- OER Committee can help you navigate licenses and options for sharing,
Attribution:
The steps above are derivative of content in OER Handbook for Educators, by WikiEducator, and from Ontario Tech University’s Faculty Quick Start Guide, licensed under CC BY 4.0
