When choosing to use OER (open educational resources) in an educational context, there are three main approaches available: adopt, adapt, or create. Possibly the most important difference between these three approaches is how time-intensive they are. Consider the following information carefully when determining which approach is best for you:
Adopt
Choosing to adopt a resource is the least time-intensive approach of the three and involves simply taking and using an existing OER without making any changes to it, i.e., using it 'as is'. For more information on finding OER to adopt, see our OER Library Guide.
Adapt
Unlike adopting, choosing to adapt OER will require some work. Adapting a resource involves using an existing resource but making some changes to the content. These changes can range from being quite small (for example, removing material that is irrelevant or extraneous to a particular context from the resource) to more substantial (changing the writing style, customising the content, or adding additional or supplementary materials). Adapting OER can also take longer than expected if the original work has any issues that need to be addressed, for example those related to copyright and images or citations and attributions.
Create
Creating an OER is generally the most time-intensive approach of the three. This is where a new resource is created, either by developing new materials from scratch or by remixing existing materials into a new resource. For more information on the process of creating your own OER, please see our JCU OER Author Guide.
Whichever approach you decide on, you will also need to consider the implications of the associated Creative Commons (CC) licensing, whether it be choosing which license to apply to an OER you have created or determining which license has been applied to existing materials and how this will affect their reuse. You can read more about Creative Commons in our FAQ and remember that you can connect with the JCU Library Open Education Team if you have any queries or concerns about anything related to Open Education and the creation or use of OER.
