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Elements for Excellence in the Design of OER Textbooks: User Research, Expert Peer Reviews, and Accessibility Testing

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Title: Elements for Excellence in the Design of OER Textbooks: User Research, Expert Peer Reviews, and Accessibility Testing
Language: English
Authors: Virginia M. Tucker (ORCID 0000-0002-3898-6392), Camille A. Charette (ORCID 0009-0004-7964-3937)
Source: Open Praxis. 2025 17(4):730-750.
Availability: International Council for Open and Distance Education. Lilleakerveien 23, 0283 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47-22-06-26-30; Fax: +47-22-06-26-31; e-mail: icde@icde.org; Web site: https://openpraxis.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Textbook Preparation, Textbook Standards, Open Educational Resources, Peer Evaluation, Multimedia Materials, Masters Programs, Library Science, Alignment (Education), User Needs (Information), Usability, Electronic Books, Material Development
ISSN: 1369-9997
2304-070X
Abstract: Ensuring that an OER textbook provides exceptional learning experiences and accessibility requires rigorous stages of writing, expert peer reviews, and user testing. In this OER research project, the objectives were to provide a scholarly textbook for a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree program that reflected current technologies and concepts in information retrieval, supported the course learning objectives, and was aligned with the scaffolded hands-on assignments. A key priority in the research design was for the book to undergo both expert peer reviews and extensive user testing with students. To support students in the different modes in which they learn, the book was developed with multimedia content, including embedded videos, recordings, and supplemental readings. All materials were thoroughly tested to meet current accessibility standards. The study combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies in four phases of progressive research: (1) alpha test with semi-structured interviews and follow-up questionnaires (n = 4); (2) domain expert peer reviews (n = 10); (3) beta test pilot course with questionnaires (n = 58); and (4) course delivery (n = 630) with survey (n = 102). The project can serve as a model for other courses in higher education, particularly online courses with high enrollment figures. In addition, elements from the study findings can help to guide any project involving the development of high-quality OER textbooks. Three elements were found to be critical to the success of the OER textbook: iterative stages of user testing with students, peer reviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) to evaluate all subtopics, and accessibility testing to ensure inclusivity.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1490573
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Elements for Excellence in the Design of OER Textbooks: User Research, Expert Peer Reviews, and Accessibility Testing
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Virginia+M%2E+Tucker%22">Virginia M. Tucker</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3898-6392">0000-0002-3898-6392</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Camille+A%2E+Charette%22">Camille A. Charette</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7964-3937">0009-0004-7964-3937</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Open+Praxis%22"><i>Open Praxis</i></searchLink>. 2025 17(4):730-750.
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  Data: International Council for Open and Distance Education. Lilleakerveien 23, 0283 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47-22-06-26-30; Fax: +47-22-06-26-31; e-mail: icde@icde.org; Web site: https://openpraxis.org/
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  Data: 21
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Textbook+Preparation%22">Textbook Preparation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Textbook+Standards%22">Textbook Standards</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Open+Educational+Resources%22">Open Educational Resources</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Peer+Evaluation%22">Peer Evaluation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Multimedia+Materials%22">Multimedia Materials</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Masters+Programs%22">Masters Programs</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Library+Science%22">Library Science</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Alignment+%28Education%29%22">Alignment (Education)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22User+Needs+%28Information%29%22">User Needs (Information)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Usability%22">Usability</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Electronic+Books%22">Electronic Books</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Material+Development%22">Material Development</searchLink>
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  Data: Ensuring that an OER textbook provides exceptional learning experiences and accessibility requires rigorous stages of writing, expert peer reviews, and user testing. In this OER research project, the objectives were to provide a scholarly textbook for a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree program that reflected current technologies and concepts in information retrieval, supported the course learning objectives, and was aligned with the scaffolded hands-on assignments. A key priority in the research design was for the book to undergo both expert peer reviews and extensive user testing with students. To support students in the different modes in which they learn, the book was developed with multimedia content, including embedded videos, recordings, and supplemental readings. All materials were thoroughly tested to meet current accessibility standards. The study combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies in four phases of progressive research: (1) alpha test with semi-structured interviews and follow-up questionnaires (n = 4); (2) domain expert peer reviews (n = 10); (3) beta test pilot course with questionnaires (n = 58); and (4) course delivery (n = 630) with survey (n = 102). The project can serve as a model for other courses in higher education, particularly online courses with high enrollment figures. In addition, elements from the study findings can help to guide any project involving the development of high-quality OER textbooks. Three elements were found to be critical to the success of the OER textbook: iterative stages of user testing with students, peer reviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) to evaluate all subtopics, and accessibility testing to ensure inclusivity.
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      – SubjectFull: Open Educational Resources
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      – SubjectFull: Peer Evaluation
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      – SubjectFull: Masters Programs
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      – SubjectFull: User Needs (Information)
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      – SubjectFull: Usability
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