OER Evaluation Checklist
Not every open resource will be a good fit for your course.
Use this checklist to evaluate an OER before adopting, adapting, or recommending it for your students.
Course Fit
☐ The content aligns with course learning outcomes.
☐ The level, depth, and reading difficulty are appropriate for students.
☐ The information is accurate and current.
☐ The organization of the material works for the course.
☐ Examples, activities, and assessments support the learning objectives.
☐ The resource can be easily integrated into Canvas or your course structure.
Accessibility
☐ Headings and lists are used to organize content.
☐ Images include appropriate alternative text.
☐ Videos include accurate captions.
☐ Audio includes transcripts.
☐ Links use descriptive text.
☐ Color is not the only way information is communicated.
☐ Documents and PDFs are accessible to assistive technology.
☐ An accessibility checker has been used when available.
For a more detailed review, visit the Accessibility & Universal Design for Learning in OER page.
Licensing & Permissions
☐ The resource has a clearly identified Creative Commons license or is in the public domain.
☐ The license allows the way you plan to use the resource.
☐ The license permits adaptation if you plan to revise or remix the material.
☐ Attribution information is available.
☐ Any materials you plan to combine have compatible licenses.
Not sure what the license allows? Visit Copyright & Creative Commons for OER .
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Anti-Racism
Consider whether the resource reflects the diversity of your students, discipline, and field.
☐ Examples and scenarios represent a variety of people and experiences.
☐ Images and illustrations represent diverse populations.
☐ Names and pronouns are used inclusively.
☐ Authors, researchers, perspectives, and sources include diverse voices.
☐ Language and terminology are respectful and current.
☐ The resource avoids stereotypes and unnecessary assumptions.
☐ Multiple perspectives are included where appropriate.
For a deeper review, use the ASCCC OERI IDEA Framework .
Student Cost & Access
☐ Students can access all required materials at no cost.
☐ No required access code or paid platform is needed.
☐ Materials are available throughout the semester.
☐ Students can access the resource on common devices.
☐ Download or offline options are available when appropriate.
Sustainability
☐ The resource has a stable location or source.
☐ It can be updated if information changes.
☐ The format is likely to remain usable over time.
☐ You know who will maintain or update adapted materials.
☐ Any library-licensed or subscription resources are expected to remain available.
Overall Review
Does this OER support my course objectives, work well for my students, and reduce barriers to learning?
If the answer is mostly yes, the resource may be a strong candidate for adoption.
If the resource has gaps, consider whether it can be adapted, supplemented, or remixed rather than rejected entirely.
Need Help Evaluating an OER?
The OER Team can help you review materials for:
- Course fit
- Licensing
- Accessibility
- IDEA considerations
- ZTC eligibility
Kyri Freeman
OER Liaison and Librarian
kfreeman@barstow.edu
April Ayto
OER and ZTC Support Librarian
aayto@barstow.edu
