Evaluating OER Resources

Common Evaluation Factors

Choosing to utilize Open Educational Resources (OER) requires careful consideration to ensure you are selecting high-quality materials. Although many OER platforms provide reviews by faculty or peers, it's advisable to conduct your own thorough evaluation. Below are essential criteria to consider when assessing OERs:

Discoverability: Assess how easy it is for students to locate the resource. Consider your initial experience finding it and think about ways we could help improve its visibility.
Accessibility: Ensure that the content is accessible to all students, particularly those with disabilities. This includes checking for compatibility with screen readers and the presence of closed captions for videos.
Authority: Verify the credentials and reputation of the author or the organization that hosts the resource. Confirm that they are recognized and respected in their field.
Quality: Evaluate the accuracy and clarity of the information. The resource should present content that is not only correct but also easy to understand.
Appropriateness: Check that the content is suitable for its intended educational level. Ensure it matches the reading and complexity levels expected in higher education.
Usability: Consider how user-friendly the resource is for both you and your students. It should be straightforward to navigate through different sections of the material.
Currency: Review the timeliness of the content. The material should be recent enough to be relevant and should include updates where necessary, depending on the subject matter.

By applying these criteria, you can more confidently select OERs that meet your educational standards and enhance your teaching effectiveness.

Example Evaluations

Several non-profits and other similar organizations have created rubrics to assist potential OER users in evaluating these resources. Below are several examples of rubrics that can be used to determine the appropriateness of an OER.