Sharing and reuse in OER: experiences gained from open reusable learning objects in health

Authors

  • Richard J Windle University of Nottingham
  • Heather Wharrad University of Nottingham
  • Damion McCormick University of Nottingham
  • Helen Laverty University of Nottingham
  • Michael G Taylor University of Nottingham

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/2010-4

Keywords:

Open Educational Resources, Reusable Learning Objects, Reuse, Sharing, Community of Practice, Evaluation, Health

Abstract

Abstract:  The open educational resource (OER) movement has the potential to have a truly transformative effect on higher education, but in order to do so it must move into the mainstream and facilitate widespread participation in the sharing or creating of resources and in their reuse. To help in this process, experience can be gained from projects and initiatives which have acted as forerunners to this movement.  Here we present the experiences gained and lessons learnt from one such project based around the open sharing of reusable learning objects in health sciences education. In particular we share our experiences of reuse, its patterns, measurement, drivers, barriers, and tools designed to balance the pedagogical tensions between use and reuse. Like many in the OER movement we promote an emphasis on the role of community-building. We also argue that in order to produce materials that are worth sharing, value must firstly be placed on developing materials suitable for primary use, including robust evaluation and an alignment to real-world learning needs. Lastly, unlike the prevailing trends in OER we urge a consideration of quality assurance and outline the role that it can play in promoting sharing and reuse.

Author Biographies

Richard J Windle, University of Nottingham

Senior Lecturer in e-learning, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Heather Wharrad, University of Nottingham

Senior Lecturer in Nurse Education and Health Informatics

Damion McCormick, University of Nottingham

Lecturer in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Helen Laverty, University of Nottingham

Health Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Michael G Taylor, University of Nottingham

Media Developer, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

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Published

2010-12-08