Open Source

OER stands for Open Educational Resources. The Web site is the gateway to an online community of educators of all sorts, from all over the world, who have come together to collaborate--to share--their methodologies, tools and techniques with the rest of the OER community. The Web site and the resources in it are easy to find and easy to use.


Describe OER’s member benefits. How much would it cost you to join?

I clicked to register but my efforts were thwarted at the "email confirmation" page--for some reason I never got my email. But it doesn't look like it costs anything to join the community. The benefits include coming in contact with others in the field of education and being able to learn from them, their methods and tools. Also, there are all types of materials and all types of subjects. The use of the Web site in itself promotes education/knowledge on educational technology and broadening the global classroom. The concept of "sharing" is very powerful in the context of learning and education. OER is taking things to the next level by promoting sharing among educators.

Explore OER’s Materials and Recommended Resources. What resources stood out to you and why?

One thing I noticed immediately was the ELATEwiki which was actually under "News&Events." Because of our work with wikis in class, I recognize the power of this tool in the classroom and was impressed to see that other's have also tapped into it. The "Recommended Resources" section made navigating easy and resources easy to find. The format of the Web site is very user-friendly which I think is a major strength-- you don't really have to be an educational technologist to get involved with and start using the site or its resources. They don't have an "English/Language" section under subjects which I noticed because that it is one of my primary areas of interest. I didn't really delve too deep into why but I noticed that they have a plethora of types
of materials with everything from notes to lesson plans to simulations.


Summarize OER’s Community. In what ways could you become involved?

OER's community is composed of researchers, students, teachers, policymakers, admininstrators...I feel like there is a little something for everybody on the site and myriad ways to get involved. Uploading resources, contributing to wikis and other content areas...all are ways to get involved.

What else stood out to you related to this website/ Describe in what ways this resource may be useful to you.

When I saw the Web site I immediately bookmarked it, knowing it will be a resource that I will use in the future. The wealth of information and resources sets it apart but the opportunities for collaboration and sharing really made it stand out. Actually it's all about collaboration.