We've explored where to find OER and what to look for when it comes to quality. Let us now turn to a process for actually using an OER in a class.

Make Sure You Have What You Need

Prior to searching for something, it's best to know exactly what you want to find and what is available. The Using INFOhio Tools to Design Learning Experiences article summarized the steps to design a learning experience from scratch using pre-existing materials. A summary of the first two steps is to:

1. To ensure that a resource will meet the desired or necessary outcomes, start with the learning objectives or established standards.
2. Analyze your current curriculum’s achievement of the learning objectives. Identify any gaps in information, extraneous information, and areas for improvement. 

The ISKME OER Academy suggests these questions that you may ask during this stage:

• Are there any specific content gap areas in my existing curriculum? For example, I might have an urgent need for math modeling or STEM literacy resources.
• Have students done poorly on a topic or in achieving a certain standard? For example, my 6th grade students consistently underperform in identifying different rocks (Ohio Learning Standard 6.ESS.2).
• Are there new types of digital materials that I would like to integrate into my existing curriculum? For example, I might want to offer my students more opportunities to use interactive games and simulations.
• Are there current events and news topic areas that I need resources for? For example, I might be interested in finding the latest resources on climate change or refugees.

In the long run, analyzing your current curriculum and referring the established standards and learning objectives for the topic(s) will save you lots of time by setting you up for a successful, targeted search.

Adding OER to Your Class 

Using OER in a class is similar to using other proprietary or paid materials. However, OER allow for more flexibility in your teaching practices. As such, they could be thought of as the glue that connects other learning materials together, a spark that can ignite student curiosity and engagement, or as puzzle pieces that make meaningful connections or allow your teaching preferences to shine.

According to WikiEducator's OER Handbook, there are eight steps to OER integration:

1. Assess the validity and reliability of the OER. (see the How Should I Evaluate Quality? lesson)
2. Determine placement within the curriculum, if not already done. Note that some OER integration may be abandoned at this point if the OER relates poorly to the rest of the curriculum. (see the What is Backward Design? lesson page next)
3. Check for license compatibility. (see the What are Open Licenses? lesson)
4. Eliminate extraneous content within the OER (assuming the license permits derivatives). (see the What is Backward Design? lesson page next)
5. Identify areas of localization. This means to adapt and/or remix to your individual needs or standards.
6. Remix with other educational materials, if applicable.
7. Determine the logistics of using the OER within the lesson. For example, you may need to print handouts for learners. In other cases, special software may be needed.
8. Devise a method of evaluation or whether the currently planned evaluation needs adjustment.

The simplest way to integrate an OER into your class is to deliver the resource to your students through your Learning Management System (LMS) either by linking out to the resource or, if available, directly as a content page or other downloadable format such as PDF or e-reader file. Lumen Learning states that "certain formats may be preferable for students with visual impairments. Downloadable options may also be useful for students without reliable Internet access, as they can download the material to their computers or mobile devices for offline access. This will also allow students to continue to access OER materials after the course ends." For OER textbooks and certain activities or worksheets, another option is printing. If printing, however, it is advised that you only print what you or students need by first adapting or remixing the content (if the license allows).

Sharing to Google Classroom

Within Open Space, every instructional material has a Google Classroom icon which allows you to easily share the resource as an assignment or material. As shown in the visual below, when logged into your school Google Account, clicking the icon will bring up a "Share to Classroom" window in which you can select what class, the material type, add a title and instructions, change which module it goes to, and post or schedule. After posting/scheduling, you can then move the resource to the correct point in the learning path.

The Google Classroom icon is also visible when viewing a resource in the top toolbar (if it hasn't forced opened in a new window).

Adding to LMS via URL

Clicking the View Resource button of any Open Space entry will open the instructional material. Copy the web address (URL) after opening to share to any other learning management system or tool.