Kohler's Model

In this section, we will introduce the extensive model developed Alaric Kohler (2024) to describe OERs, based on the graphical abstract below [Figure 1]. The aim is to facilitate identification and communication within OERs creators, researchers and designers. The technical vocabulary will be clarified and some fundamental dimensions introduced.

Kohler's model helps naming and describing the various components and features of OERs (such as granularity, readiness to use, etc.), and provides useful distinction between addressee (teaching versus learning devices), processes (retrieving, adapting, modifying...) and points of view (e.g designer's intention versus learners' experience).

By clarifying the technical vocabulary and integrating fundamental dimensions for describing OERs, the model presented here aims at helping out cooperative work across the web and through OERs' designers and users. Indeed, they mainly cooperate without direct interactions, retrieving and producing variants of original OERs, which raises risks of misunderstanding on appropriate uses of OER in education.