Still need help?
Get in touch with the LX.lab team by logging a ticket via ServiceConnect. We'll be in touch shortly.
Log a ticketWant to provide feedback on this resource? Please log in first via the top nav menu.
This approach is one of five suggested ways of applying open pedagogy in the learning environment and using Open Educational Resources (OERs) from existing repositories. On this page we define the approach, emphasise its requirements and use examples to show practical evidence of applying the suggested approaches in the educational settings.
Updating existing OERs can not only improve the resources but also expand the audience. In the ‘Revise, reuse and improve’ approach, there are many ways in which existing OERs can be reused, for example, change of sequencing to fit within a curriculum, editing contents to improve the design and presentation, and recontextualizing to a new context.
Changes can vary from being minor to major which is something usually tied to the flexibility of the associated licenses. Improving accessibility (e.g. adding transcription to an existing video) and translation of OERs to different languages are among the techniques that can be carried out in this approach. Additionally, reuse to improve resources can be also carried out by adding interactive elements such as adding quizzes, simulations, or lab manuals.
Requirements
The ‘Revise, reuse and improve’ approach to OER requires working through the following:
Licensing and IP
In order to efficiently utilise OER, it is important that we have a clear understanding of the terms of use of the open license that is associated with the original work. This will help clarify what can be done and how the final product will be published. OERs are usually associated with the Creative Commons licenses. Except for the ND license, which restricts creating derivatives from the original work, all Creative Commons licenses allow modification to the original work.
Feasibility
Realising the need for an improved resource requires identifying areas that have a large audience but minimal resources, hence, efforts and resources will be wisely spent. Translation to different languages other than English, improving accessibility and resources for Indigenous communities are among the areas that lack learning resources.
Tools & Resources
Rice University
Collaborative Statistics using Spreadsheets is a modified version of the Illowsky and Dean Collaborative Statistics open textbook. In this case study, the authors of the Collaborative Statistics using Spreadsheets open textbook have realised the needs for an advanced and practical version of the original book that helps the learners to understand the application of statistical theories using MS-Excel.
Wisconsin Technical College
Integrating H5P interactive elements into open textbooks and host in PressBooks.com platform such as in this Nursing Fundamentals open textbook. Using H5P allowed the authors to create adaptive learning activities such as nursing scenarios.
University of Victoria
This example from the University of Victoria is about adapting around 30% of Principles of Microeconomics from OpenStax where the 70% were new content from lab instructors’ notes and the professor’s slide decks. The final outcome was Principles of Microeconomics by Dr. Emma Hutchinson, University of Victoria.