The Open Scholarship Knowledge Base contains resources created, curated, and contributed by the Open Scholarship Community hosted at OER Commons. Currently, this platform is one of the best international sites for finding information about Open Scholarship concepts, exercises, materials and practices.
This site functions like many data bases with search engines driven through keywords. The results are not specific articles, but rather data bases which are free for use to the public and can then be used for more specific searches. These searches are broken down into Resources, Collections and Providers. The Collections can be used to find interactive learning materials.
Users can develop a 'Hub' of resources selected and have the option to join internet based groups.
Type of Material:
Learning Object Repository for public domain data bases.
Recommended Uses:
This is a large repository of well-organized material covering many disciplines. It could be adapted to many purposes, particularly for the preparation of courses. This resource is mainly for use by instructors and faculty in designing their courses. The instructor can find resources and tools which can be placed in the syllabus for the students to use.
Technical Requirements:
High speed internet and standard browsers.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This is a resource for any person interested in OER. It is not only for educators, but also researchers, policy makers, and any other stakeholders in OER.
OER Commons offers a comprehensive infrastructure for curriculum experts and instructors at all levels to identify high-quality OER and collaborate around their adaptation, evaluation, and use to address the needs of teachers and learners
Target Student Population:
High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Knowledge and comfort in how to use data bases and incorporate the tools into curriculum design.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
It is a large , well-organized collection. Many disciplines are covered including the social sciences. The user can do searches for learning tools which can be used in the public domain.
Concerns:
The resources in sociology and the social services are modest although growing.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
There is a wide range of material for each discipline. Educators could use the material to assemble an entire course on many different subjects. It is easy to navigate in an intuitive manner. The resources are in the public domain.
Concerns:
It would be useful to have a section which describes how to use the resource, examples of use, and contacts with faculty around the world.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The material and support sections are logically organized and easily navigated. It's clear and intuitive in page layout. The site is in good working order and updated consistently.
Concerns:
Needs a section on instructions for use and examples.
Creative Commons:
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Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
