Thread:Several points - start separate discussions if/where needed (3)

Would it make sense to rename this section "Considerations" and separate general issues, which apply to all on-line learning resources one might obtain (open or not) from OER-specific issues? For example, the following "disadvantage" applies to any learning resource obtained from someone else:


 * OER created by someone else may need a significant amount of customization (called "localization" in the OER community) before they work in your local context.
 * The fact that the user is able to adapt the resource is an advantage. So, listing this under "disadvantages" is misleading.
 * Also, I would also remove "(called "localization" in the OER community)" as there is a subtle difference between "localisation" and "recontextualisation". "Customisation" is fine as it can cover both.

Other examples where the status of "advantage" or "disadvantage" is debatable in some contexts are:


 * Because OER are free, using them can lower costs to students and organizations.
 * If free/gratis also means you are not free to adapt and disseminate on other media and charge a fee for those services, this becomes a disadvantage (or at least, the advantage may be limited in some cases - the NC cases).
 * If you want to include "closed" material in your OER, obtaining copyright clearance from the owner can be difficult and expensive.
 * This does not seem like a disadvantage of OER - it applies generally.

Alternatives to "Advantages and Disadvantages": "Considerations": "Before you Leap ...", "What are you getting into?", "Implications", "What it means to Go-OER" ... and some of the bullet points could be phrased as recommended Do's and Don'ts:

Do:
 * Get buy-in from your colleagues (for peer development), and
 * from upper management and policy makers if possible, ...
 * Check for completeness
 * Be prepared to work with the resources and engage with a community of co-developers

Do Not:
 * Expect volunteer co-developers to meet your time expectations - they have internal deadlines of their own.
 * etc.

It might be useful to classify all these statements (along with some of the new ones in "Why OER?", etc.) to help put them in the right place (adv, disadv, why, etc.).