How To Use OER

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 

Where to find OER (video)