OER Commons Launches Authoring Tool

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 01/06/20
OER Commons authoring tool

OER Commons' Open Author

OER Commons, an organization focused on creating open educational resources for education, has developed a new tool for authoring OER. Open Author, as it's named, consolidates the functions of three other utilities from OER Commons: the Resource Builder, Lesson Builder and Module Builder.

The program features:

  • A what-you-see-is-what-you-get editor with an accessibility checker, copy and paste from Word and Excel, and a straightforward math editor;
  • Tools for including images, with alt text and captions;
  • Download options for PDF, EPUB3, SCORM and Thin Common Cartridge files;
  • Import from Google and Microsoft OneDrive; and
  • The ability to include a co-author.

During content development, the author can view the material as either an instructor or learner would see it.

For members of the OER Commons' community, existing materials are still available (through the My Items or Groups spaces).

Once the material is ready for publication, others can remix the resource and use it with other materials.

The organization reported that it would be updating its published views in early 2020.

For more information, visit the OER Commons site.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.