Consider the following factors when evaluating whether to use a specific OER in your course.
Quality
- Peer Review available or used
- Reputation of author/ institution is transparent
- Pedagogical methods are sound
- Allows for customization or refinement
Appropriateness
- Content is accurate
- Sources are identified and cited
- Some alignment with a learning outcome or course objective
- Appropriate reading/ domain level for your students
Technical
- High technical quality (clear visuals, high production value)
- Clear licensing declaration (Creative Commons License present, in the Public Domain, etc.)
- License to remix or share again
*Note: This checklist was reused and adapted from Kirkwood Community College Library's guide on open textbooks. It was developed by Sarah Crissinger, Information Literacy Graduate Assistant. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.