Creating OER
Tools
Free
- MERLOT’s Content Builder: Access templates for creating tailored websites with a variety of designs, including e-portfolio structures, lesson plans, online courses, and others.
- OpenAuthor: Bring in and adapt your own resources, as well as resources from its affiliated OER Commons library, to create new or remixed OER.
- OpenStax Hub: Adapt, remix, and localize OpenStax textbooks.
- Rebus Open Textbook Community: Develop open textbooks with a collaborative community of creators and authors.
- WikiBooks: Access wiki-based adaptable open textbooks and create new wiki textbooks.
- TED-Ed Content Builder Tool: Add TED videos to a lesson builder template, and supplement the video with questions and additional content.
Paid
- LibGuides: Access file creation and file hosting tools for library staff through this fee-based platform that it is available through your library.
- PressBooks: Publish open textbooks in multiple formats in this content management system that uses WordPress. (Note that a free version is available for Ontario institutions from eCampus Ontario).
- SoftChalk Cloud: Use the SoftChalk desktop platform to create your OER, and choose to make it open and public in the SoftChalk Repository (free trial available).
Tips
Start with what’s there
Look to existing collections with quality resources such as eCampus Ontario’s Open Textbook Library. Also consider materials that you've created, which may be available offline.
Make it accessible
It'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 to guide your work.
Make it adaptable
The 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 open
Select 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 discoverable
Work 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.
Evaluate 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.
