A Framework for Evaluating the Accessibility of STEM OER

This session will introduce participants to key issues related to accessibility of openly licensed STEM curriculum. With the aim to address not only equitable access, but also use of resources by all learners, ISKME, in partnership with SERC, an advisory group, and a set of STEM faculty, has developed the Accessibility of STEM Open Educational Resources (OER) Guidebook. The guidebook seeks to support postsecondary OER curators and authors in evaluating, creating, and describing open STEM content intended for their courses. The session will discuss the framework’s alignment with Universal Design for Learning guidelines, with W3C’s POUR framework, and with the principles of open education. After walking through the framework and guidebook to highlight key points, we'll spotlight examples of ways that faculty could use the guide and lead a discussion around issues and questions from attendees as they consider how the framework might apply to their own work in curating, authoring or improving open STEM materials.