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Creating: sub-module 4 of 8

Whether working alone or as a team, this module provides information and tools to aid faculty in authoring new and adapted OER for teaching and learning.

 

OER Design Tips

Consider this list of design tips to create sharable, reusable OER - and get help from the library along the way

  • Start with what’s thereLook to existing collections with quality resources such as eCampus Ontario’s Open Textbook Library - Opens in a new window. Also consider materials that you've created, which may be available offline.
  • Make it accessibleIt's important to ensure that the resources you create are accessible to all learners. Note that it is more work to make existing OER accessible than it is to create an accessible OER from the start. Use the accessibility checklist - Opens in a new window to guide your work.
  • Make it adaptableThe more modular your content is, the easier it is for future users to reuse it. If you’re working on an open textbook, separate your content by chapter and subchapter. If possible, provide a version of your resource in an editable format, such as .docx or Google Docs.
  • Make it openSelect and clearly display the Creative Commons licence for your resource. If you integrate other materials into your resource, select those that are open. See the Licensing Module in this toolkit for information on choosing an open licence, or contact your library for help.
  • Make it discoverableWork with library staff to determine the best platform for sharing the resource with others. Library staff can also advise you on adding appropriate descriptors that make your OER discoverable.
  • Invite critiqueEvaluate your resource using a rigorous rubric such as the Comprehensive OER Evaluation Rubric. Ask peers to review the resource using the evaluation rubric. OER development is an iterative process, so try to revisit your OER on a regular update cycle.

Additional Information:

Creating Your Own OER

Why Create OER?

  • Assures you can customize content to your specifications
  • Extends your academic profile
  • Provides more relevant and engaging materials for students
  • Reduces costs for students

Attribution:

Text a derivative of BCOER Poster, - opens in a new window, by BCcampus, - opens in a new window licensed under CC BY 4.0 - opens in a new window

OER Authoring Guides

Accessibility Checklist

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires that institutions provide all resources in an accessible format “on demand”. There are no specific guidelines for what is accessible—other than it must meet the need of the student requesting the accessible format. However, as educators, we a have ethical obligations to ensure that courses are fully accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities.

Unless carefully chosen with accessibility in mind, instructional resources can erect barriers that make learning difficult or impossible. Use the materials below to ensure that the resources you create are accessible to all learners.

Accessibility Toolkit

Authoring and Hosting Tools

Some OER authoring tools are free, and others require payment. Also, be aware that some tools require users to actively change their sharing settings to make resources public, or they may only allow sharing with other registered users and not the wider public.

Free Tools

Paid Tools