Exploring Open Educational Resources (OERs)

Introduction

In today's digital age, educators have access to a vast array of educational resources.

However, many of these resources are copyrighted, expensive, or limited in their scope. Open Educational Resources (OERs) offer a solution to these challenges. OERs are high-quality, openly licensed educational materials that can be freely used, shared, and adapted. In this WebQuest, you will explore the world of OERs, evaluate their effectiveness, and create a list of recommended resources for your fellow educators.

Task

Imagine you are a teacher looking for high-quality educational resources to use in your classroom. Your task is to explore different types of Open Educational Resources (OERs), evaluate their effectiveness, and create a list of recommended OERs for your fellow teachers.

Process

1. Introduction to OERs:

    - Read the article "What are Open Educational Resources?" (provided)

    - Watch the video "Open Educational Resources" (provided)

2. Exploring OERs:

    - Visit the following OER websites:

        - Khan Academy ((link unavailable))

        - MERLOT ((link unavailable))

        - OpenStax ((link unavailable))

    - Browse the resources available on each website

    - Take notes on the types of resources available, their quality, and potential uses in the classroom

3. Evaluating OERs:

    - Use the OER Evaluation Rubric (provided) to evaluate the resources you explored

    - Consider factors such as accuracy, relevance, and usability

4. Creating a Recommended OER List:

    - Based on your evaluation, create a list of recommended OERs for your fellow teachers

    - Include a brief description of each resource and its potential uses in the classroom

Evaluation

- Completed OER Evaluation Rubric

- List of recommended OERs with brief descriptions and potential uses in the classroom

Conclusion

- Reflect on what you learned about Open Educational Resources (OERs) and their importance in education

- Consider how you can integrate OERs into your own teaching practices

Credits

- Article: "What are Open Educational Resources?"

- Video: "Open Educational Resources"

- OER Evaluation Rubric

- Khan Academy ((link unavailable))

- MERLOT ((link unavailable))

- OpenStax ((link unavailable))

Teacher Page

Teacher Page

*Overview*

This WebQuest is designed to introduce educators to the concept of Open Educational Resources (OERs) and provide them with the skills to evaluate and integrate OERs into their teaching practices.

 

*Objectives*

- Educators will understand the definition and importance of OERs in education

- Educators will be able to identify and evaluate different types of OERs

- Educators will understand the benefits and challenges of using OERs in the classroom

 

*Materials*

- Computers with internet access

- OER Evaluation Rubric (provided)

- Article: "What are Open Educational Resources?" (provided)

- Video: "Open Educational Resources" (provided)

 

*Procedure*

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

    - Introduce the concept of OERs and their importance in education

    - Provide background information on the benefits and challenges of using OERs

2. Exploring OERs (20 minutes):

    - Have educators visit the provided OER websites and explore the resources available

    - Have educators take notes on the types of resources available, their quality, and potential uses in the classroom

3. Evaluating OERs (20 minutes):

    - Have educators use the OER Evaluation Rubric to evaluate the resources they explored

    - Have educators consider factors such as accuracy, relevance, and usability

4. Creating a Recommended OER List (20 minutes):

    - Have educators create a list of recommended resources for their fellow educators

    - Have educators include a brief description of each resource and its potential uses in the classroom

 

*Assessment*

- Completed OER Evaluation Rubric

- List of recommended resources with brief descriptions and potential uses in the classroom