Evaluating OER
Abbey Elder
You should always evaluate existing resources you want to adapt, no matter where they come from. Some of the evaluation criteria listed below are universal, and others (such as Adaptability and Modularity) are specific to OER.[1]
Clarity, Comprehensibility, and Readability
The most ubiquitous standard on this list is also the first: can the material you are considering be read and understood by students? Although it might seem like a simple question, it is a necessary obstacle to confront when adopting a new resource for your course.
- Is the content, including any instructions and exercises, clear and comprehensible to students?
- Is the content consistent with its language and formatting? (e.g. key terms are bold)
- Is the content well-organized in terms of sequencing and flow?
Content and Technical Accuracy
The accuracy of the content you use is also a major component of its usability in the classroom. Be sure to check for technical errors such as broken links or typos. In most cases, content accuracy will not be an issue, but some older resources may require updates.
- Is the content accurate based on your expertise?
- Are there any factual, grammatical, or typographical errors?
- Is the interface navigable for students?
Adaptability and Modularity
Because of their open licenses, OER permit a wider range of (re)use than most traditional educational content; therefore, it is important to keep in mind how your chosen OER can be adapted. Modularity, or the ability to be broken up into smaller pieces easily, is one feature of an OER that should be preferred when possible. When creating OER, using clear chapter and unit breaks can help other instructors adopting or adapting your resource for their own courses.
- Is the resource in a file format which allows for adaptations, modifications, rearrangements, and updates?
- Is the resource easily divided into modules, or sections, which can be used or rearranged out of their original order?
- Is the content available under a license which allows for modifications?
Appropriateness and Fit
Although there may be OER available in your field or discipline, some resources may require minor edits or additions. Keep in mind that the open licenses of OER mean that they can be edited or even combined with other resources. This can be particularly useful if you would like to adopt a chapter from one OER for the first unit of a new text but prefer alternate resources for other units.
- Is the content presented at a reading level appropriate for your students?
- How does the content align with your course learning objectives?
- Is the content level appropriate for use in your course?
Accessibility
No matter what resources you plan to adopt, accessibility should always be a part of your evaluation process. Many major publisher-provided homework products are not digitally accessible to students and can cause unexpected issues. Similarly, some OER may not be optimized for students with visual or auditory impairments.
- Is the content accessible to students with disabilities through the compatibility of third-party reading applications?
- If you are using Web resources, does each image have alt text that can be read? Do videos have accurate closed-captioning?
- Are students able to access the materials in a quick, non-restrictive manner?
If you would like a personal copy of these considerations, visit or download them through the Evaluating OER Checklist in Google Docs.
- Attribution: These criteria are from the Affordable Learning Georgia "Selecting Textbooks" webpage have been used with permission from the creator. ↵