Another successful approach to evaluating an OER is to use a course map template to track course outcomes, activities, and teaching resources. A course map, also known as a curriculum map, is a record of teaching and learning that can provide faculty an opportunity to align OER with course learning outcomes. An added advantage to course mapping is unearthing unintentional gaps or redundancies in your learning outcomes. Additionally, you can use a course map to document the license for the resource, keep track of where the resource lives online, and organize comments as you compile more resources. Although you may already have analyzed your course needs following the questions and considerations outlined earlier in this unit, it can be helpful – somewhat similar to a backwards design process – to map the course in the evaluation process to ensure that the OER meets the needs of the course and aligns with the outcomes.

As you gather your resources and plan for aspects of course redesign when incorporating your OER, know there are tools available to help you. For example, Quality Matters, a national nonprofit that provides research-based tools for implementation of quality assurance in course design, helps to facilitate the success of online learners. Your institution may be using Quality Matters and/or may be able to provide support for course redesign  through an office of Distance Learning or Instructional Designers. Another option is the OLC Quality Scorecard Suite offered by the Online Learning Consortium, which includes the  OSCQR Course Design Review scorecard from SUNY Online.

The Texas OER Core Elements Course units were adapted in part from Texas Learn OER, which in turn was developed by adapting several existing OER, and a course map was used to track, organize, and evaluate content. The original Texas Learn OER template is available for use. Retrieve a copy below, as well as other sample course maps:

• Blank Course Map Template
• Lumen Learning Master Course Map Template
• Texas OER Core Elements Course Map Sample

A Comment On Quality

Often, in conversations surrounding the evaluation of OER, common questions emerge related to quality. A typical question might be: Is the quality of the OER as good as commercially produced copyrighted course material? As you find and evaluate OER, challenge yourself to consider HOW quality is defined and measured.

Take a minute to read this 2013 blog post from David Wiley, On Quality and OER. After reading and reflecting, do you agree or disagree with this statement?

“For educational materials, the degree to which they support learning is the only meaning of quality we should care about.”