Any material that I make, such as instructional videos or slide shows, I share with my colleagues.
SURF strongly encourages sharing resources, such as Open Educational Resources (OER). Being able to reuse existing materials saves time and allows teachers to focus on other aspects of the course. In addition, when we know that materials will be reused, it becomes worth it to make higher quality resources or resources that better target student need. Finally, using shared and OER materials means students will have to spend less money on materials from big publishers.
By paying attention to a few small things, you can ensure your materials are easily reusable.
Good practice
Screenshot of virtual reality material (FOO)
Materials for Virtual Reality Lessons
The Faculty of Education, working with Mediacollege, developed 360 degree films to submerse their students in the school setting and in meaningful lessons. A variety of lessons can be developed around the films and it is the hope of AUAS to create a library of such films that can be shared across teacher programs in the Netherlands.
Go to Icto-site FOO, Virtual Reality for more information, lesson materials, and links to the videos on Youtube.
Step by Step
How do I make my material reusable?
Discuss with your colleagues and team members
Before making a video clip or other resource, make sure to have an idea of what is needed and what can be recycled or reused. Then, make sure to increase usability by avoiding details or labels that would date the material or prevent use in other contexts.
Consider spending more time on making materials that more people, in different courses or departments, will be able to use.
Don't make resources context-specific
Make documents or video clips that only address a single issue or topic. Don’t include references to time, location, department, or current events. While you can contextualize the clip in the description in Brightspace, be sure to avoid examples like the following in the document or clip:
- Last week we talked about socialism
- In Algebra 2.2 we learned about variables
- The building across the street was designed by…
- Black Lives Matter has been an important topic lately
Share with a license
By adding a Creative Commons license to your work, visible with a logo on the title page or in the preface, you give permission to others to use your material. You keep copyright, meaning users will cite you, but the license makes it easier for others to find and use your work.
In accordance with the Dutch ministry of education and AUAS policy, all AUAS material is shared with a CC license.
Sharing material
So that others can use your material,
- save or upload material to hva.nl/webcolleges or to the Learning Object Repository via Brightspace
- discuss it in department meetings or symposiums
- share it on social media
In addition to thank-yous, you’ll get feedback that will allow you to further develop useful effective material.