Tools and Techniques for Creating OER
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Provide two examples each of low-tech, medium-tech, and high-tech tools for creating OER.
- Explain why an instructor might choose to develop OER using low-tech tools.
- Describe one medium- or high-tech tool you could use to develop an OER.
Attribution: “Creating Open Educational Resources: Tips for New Creators” by Abbey Elder is licensed CC BY 4.0.
As we covered in our Considerations for Using or Creating OER chapter, it’s important to keep in mind some key factors before deciding to create a new OER. Some more in-depth tips for creating OER are outlined in this chapter.
Consider your Tools
Most educational resources today are “born digital,” meaning they are digital files before they are put into print or any other format. There is a wide variety of software and platforms available to assist with creating or editing digital content that can be used as OER, but it can be confusing to decide on which platform to use.[1]
Low Tech
The simplest way to create educational resources is by using familiar word processing tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Libre Office. This software includes most of the features needed for standard content, and the file can be easily exported as a PDF or printed. Additional low-tech options include:
- LibreOffice Draw: Draw lets you produce anything from a quick sketch to a complex plan, and gives you the means to communicate with graphics and diagrams. Draw is an excellent package for producing technical drawings and other visual examples.
- InkScape: An open source application that creates and edits PDFs and also works as a vector drawing and graphics tool. A better option for PDF editing if your document is image-heavy.
Medium Tech
Another common way to create or edit educational resources is to create a website or hosted resource. This could be in the form of a blog, a static website, or a wiki. WordPress can be a great tool for these sorts of medium-tech projects.
Check Your Understanding
Think about ways you could use Low- or Medium-Tech resources in your class. Is there a Medium-tech resource you’re already using in your classes? Could you create and disseminate OER easily using that software, or do you need additional training to feel confident?
Look around your campus and see if there are workshops available on the software you want to learn.
Additional medium-tech options include:
- Gnu Image Manipulation Program (GIMP): GIMP is an open source, cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows, and other operating systems.
- OER Commons Open Author: Open Author helps you build Open Educational Resources, lesson plans, and courses to share openly on the OER Commons platform.
- Pressbooks: Pressbooks is a simple book formatting software. Some institutions, like Iowa State University, provide author support for publishing in Pressbooks through our Digital Press.
High Tech
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