Why use Open Educational Resources? The use of the Internet and the availability of information has changed the game for educators. As educators we are constantly borrowing ideas and modifying units to fit the needs of our students. OERs allows us to do that, while empowering our students by saving them money and giving them access to content. Are OERs necessary? Given that the price of textbooks and materials continue to soar, ABSOLUTELY!
What is it?
This tool was created by Excelsior College and has been used to successfully to replace the textbook in their Engl. 101 courses which has saved their students approximately $125,000 total each year.
The site contains multiple print and video resources that you can use with your students. If you use the site as is, all you have to do give your students the links to the information you want them to have access to.
This resource is huge and it is easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of information available. Fortunately, this tool allows for customization. Customization requires that you create a free account.
This site allows for two types of accounts: an educator account and a student account. With an educator account, you can select what skills you want your students to concentrate on and place them on their website with a unique url. This is called an “owlet” Students do not need to create an account to access the owlet. They just need the url. Want to see an example of an “owlet”? You know you do! Here is an example of an owlet.
Creating an owlet requires you to click and the items you want your students to have access to. After you select the skill set, you get a unique url with only the items you selected on it. You can make as many owlets as you want.
If you create a free student account, you can track your progress for all the activities you complete as well as get credit for completed assignments.
Accessibility of the product
The content on the site scores pretty well for accessibility though it does need to correct some things. Here’s what the tool does right:
- It uses java which allows the site to be used on any Internet enabled device.
- The interface can be navigated by mouse, finger, and stylus.
- The typed content can be read and understood by screen readers and is organized in a way that makes sense and easily understood.
- Good color contrast on items listed.
- Videos in the units come with transcripts.
Here is where the tool needs work in terms of accessibility:
- The interface is purely click and drag interface and is not easily navigated by keyboard. This can be problematic for students who may have dexterity issues or are missing limbs and relay on keyboard navigation to get around sites.
- Some of the embedded content ( Like Prezi) presentations are not easily understood by screen readers or assistive technology.
- No captioning for images used or alt text.
- Some of the review games require Adobe Flash which is not understood by screen readers or assistive technologies.
- No audio component that reads the typed content to the user. This helps students who have language processing conditions like Dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.
Classroom implications
The fact that you can pick and choose the content that your students use, makes this excellent resource. Do avoid the games that require flash as this is not understood by screen reader, assistive technology and some apple products( unless you install a different browser). If the content you share with your students uses some embedded content like Prezis, consider have a text only version of the information for students who may require it.
You can use the information in this resource as a supplement to what you are already doing with your students, as part of a full Open Course or to flip your classroom instruction.
Remember it is about the content so adapt and use the information in the best way that will help your students. As Chris Pearce would say "It is one of the best compliments you can give to another educator."