Using open educational resources in courses takes time to find relevant materials, customize them for the class, and replace any broken links or missing content. However, this process keeps the instructor engaged with the course materials and ensures each resource enhances the objectives. Resources must also be logically integrated into the course sequence and address the objectives. While shared materials may lack value or attribution, reviewing them critically helps instructors understand content and improve shared resources through peer assessment.

1. All photos taken by the author

2. Challenge
• It takes time to find,
customize, and apply
open educational
resources to a class
• It takes time to review
each open resource used
before the material is
assigned to make sure it
still exists
• It takes time to replace
nonexistent open
resources
Benefit
• Taking the time to find,
customize, apply, and
replace each resource
keeps the instructor in
touch with the materials

3. Challenge
• Each resource chosen
must apply to and
enhance the course
objects
• Each resource must be
worked into the course in
a meaningful and logical
sequence
Benefit
• Applying planning assures
that the instructor knows
how each resource
addresses the course
objectives
• Applying planning keeps
he instructor in touch with
the applicability of the
course objectives

4. Challenge
• Shared materials may
have limited or no value
• Shared materials may not
be correctly attributed
• Shared materials may
invite review and scrutiny
Benefit
• Reviewing shared
resources causes the
instructor to read critically
• Assessing shared
resources requires
instructors to understand
attribution
• Sharing materials invites
review and assessment
that can enhance the
materials