OER Principles

Five key points to consider when using OERs

Principles: 5Rs     

Characteristics
1. Reuse Content can be reused in its unaltered original form. The right to use the content in a wide range of ways (e.g., in a class, in a study group, on a website, in a video)
2. Retain  Copies of content can be retained for personal archives or reference - the right to make, own, and control copies of the content (e.g., download, duplicate, store, and manage)
3. Revise Content can be modified or altered to suit specific needs - the right to adapt, adjust, modify, or alter the content itself (e.g., translate the content into another language)
4. Remix Content can be adapted with other similar content to create something new- the right to combine the original or revised content with other material to create something new (e.g., incorporate the content into a mashup)
5. Redistribute Content can be shared with anyone else in its original or altered format - the right to share copies of the original content, your revisions, or your remixes with others (e.g., give a copy of the content to a friend)

 

Implications of the 5Rs

  1. Retain + Redistribute = Download and share for free
  2. Revise + Remix = Edit, improve, customize, collaborate
  3. Reuse = Class, lab, study group, etc. 
  4. Remix - Content can be adapted with other similar content to create something new. OER collection is a good example of this implication.
  5. Redistribute -  gGve a copy of the content to a friend).