Now that we have gone over the vocabulary you might be thinking "What does this mean for me? Whats the big deal about OER?"
Just because we find something on the internet does not make it fair game for customization and/or transformation. It is important to respect the legal copyright of the original creator of a resource, and their wishes regarding the use of their creations. 
OER and other FREE Resources that can be found online include but are not limited to:
instructional videos
lesson plans
interactive activities
worksheets
assessments and grading rubrics
virtual libraries containing eBooks and audiobooks
content specific learning portals
online dictionaries and encyclopedias
primary source archives

Some benefits of using OER:
Online resources may be updated frequently, while expensive textbooks generally need to be replaced every few years when/if their content becomes outdated.
Online resources often include video and audio, making them more accessible for all learners. Other accessibility options include immersive readers, translation tools, adjustable reading levels and customizable fonts. 
Free online resources remove a financial burden placed on teachers, and sometimes students' families, to pay for access via paid memberships.
Online resources can help educators build more engaging lessons that are customized to their curriculum and the needs of their students.

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