OER philosophy is to provide free easily accessible quality learning to everyone. I use the web to find entry level info for basic understanding, usually wikipedia to learn just a little more. Then I can improve my searches to find and access more in-depth resources on the subject, and associated subjects, from recognisable, respected sources. I can use such resources to signpost people I support towards, for their information and gathering of facts and advice on their issues. Certain people want to learn more, to support themselves, feel not alone in their issue, to be able to take on research findings and make positive change if need be. Some people just need guided to the right information to make their own changes, from weight loss to to understanding ME to how to manage the symptoms of trauma. I have gone into OER Commons and OASIS to find info on trauma and have come across a couple of really helpful short videos to help explain trauma. I now know I can share these with individuals, in a small group setting, as part of awareness raising sessions with other staff. This is great to know! And yes, it does same time and worrying about copyright. I’ve just had a quick search, to be honest, and see the opposition to OER’s from teachers for example, who OER’s bypass. I see that the professional validity of OER’s is questioned and that it’s a kind of free for all putting the learning out there, and that it can be tricky to find exactly what it is you need because there is so much available. Opposers have a point, but for me I prefer the idea that people who feel motivated and confident enough to put learning out there continue to do so because sometimes it’s the human, from the heart communication that speaks the clearest to others and inspires folks to want to want more.