OER may vary in purpose, extent, and quality, it is important for instructors to carefully evaluate resources before using in the classroom. These criteria are generally communicated as starting points for evaluating resources during the research process, many of the criteria listed in this checklist can also be used to evaluate OER. The criteria include:
- Authority: Is it clear who developed and wrote the material? Are his or her qualifications for creating the material clearly stated?
- Accuracy: Are there errors or omissions visible?
- Objectivity: Is any type of bias present?
- Currency: Is the resource up-to-date and/or is a creation or update date visible?
- Coverage: Does it address the topic at hand sufficiently to add value to the class?
Suggested Evaluation Process
Consider taking these steps to evaluate OER, or follow the process you typically use to evaluate textbooks and other course materials.
Does this OER cover the content you'd like to present to your students for this course or module?
Is the content appropriate for your students? Is it too challenging? Not challenging enough?
How can you use the content? What are the restrictions and requirements outlined in the license the resource is under?
Based on what's permissible, how do you plan to use the content? Can portions be remixed with other content, or enhanced with supplemental material?
How do the open resources you are collecting align with learning objectives and lessons?
ADA Compliance
Instructors planning to use OERs in their courses should also keep in mind that the OERs should comply with federal and state accessibility requirements. A checklist for compliance with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act can be found here.
Adapted from:
Mathson, S. (2020, February 20). Research Guides: Open Educational Resources: Evaluating & Using OER. Retrieved March 30, 2020, from libguides.cmich.edu website: https://libguides.cmich.edu/OER/evaluating
University of Maryland University College. (2018). Open educational resources: Considerations for using OERs. Retrieved from http://libguides.umuc.edu/c.php?g=23404&p=138772
