2.4 An OER rubric

Once you find an openly licensed resource (an image, a lesson, a unit, etc.), how do you decide whether you are going to use it in class or not?

The questions below, adapted from Achieve [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] , suggest some aspects you may want to consider when evaluating the quality of teaching and learning resources.

Quality of explanation of the subject matter

  • How thoroughly is the subject matter explained?

  • Are the main ideas clearly identified for the students?

Utility of materials designed to support teaching

  • Are materials comprehensive and easy to understand and use?

  • Are suggestions for ways to use the materials with a variety of learners included?

Quality of technological interactivity

  • If interactive, is this feature purposeful and directly related to learning?

  • If interactive, do materials create an individualised learning experience (i.e. do they adapt to students based on what they do?)

Opportunities for deeper learning

  • Do materials engage students in working collaboratively, thinking critically and solving complex problems, learning how to learn, communicating effectively, etc.?

Assurance of accessibility

  • Are the materials fully accessible for ALL students, i.e. visually impaired, print disabled, etc.?

Activity 4

Timing: Allow about 30 minutes

What aspects do you consider when you are evaluating a resource for teaching?

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You can now move on to Week 3 Reuse in action.