Some of the lessons learned in using OER materials:

• Easily scalable – All of the science materials are used school-wide. Additionally, three of the five high schools in the district are now using the OER chemistry materials as well as several classes in neighboring districts.
• Difficulty working through the copyright/licensing laws for printing OERs.
• Learning how to adapt and not “reinvent the wheel” an OER can start with content that others have created and that is then modified to meet your teaching style.
• With OERs you don’t need to be a perfectionist because you can update and change the OER for the next school year.
• OERs targeted content is especially helpful for substitute teachers since the OER provides a clear path for instruction.
• Students can easily catch up if they are absent since they know what is next in the curriculum since the OERs are designed to match the teacher’s preference for presenting the materials.
• Students often felt intimidated by the size of the traditional textbook and extraneous information. With OERs, students know that all the core content is included in the materials.
• Students have the ability to be more conscious of their own learning and learn how to become self-learners by adding/modifying their OER materials.