OER Resources

An online resource to help faculty navigate the world of OER

Helpful Narrative

Think about the process you use to evaluate or decide which textbook and/or materials you will use for your class. You can apply these same principles to the evaluation of Open or "Textbook cost $0" options as well. Some criteria you might include are:

Content -- Is it accurate and reflect what you are teaching
Accessible -- Is the content too technical or too easy for your students?
Use -- How can you use the content. What type of license does it have?
Use (part 2) -- Can you use this content on its own or do you need to supplement it with something. Can you combine it with other material?

Other guides and checklists for assessing materials

iRubric guide to evaluating OER
An OER evaluation rubric built in RCampus -- an educational management system.
Rubrics for Evaluating OER Objects
An in-depth guide and rubric system for evaluating OER "objects" for their use in your class.
From Achieve - a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving academic excellence in the US.
Open Educational Resources Evaluation Tool Handbook
From the Achieve Organization, this 40 page handbook and teaching tool is intended to guide instructors in the process of selecting and evaluating OER objects for the class.
OER Evaluation Rubric
A short rubric of the multi-faceted approach of the Achieve organization.

Other advice

SAVE your materials in a central location. That way it will be easier to organize.
TALK to colleagues about what they are using or find helpful.