PLJ14.
The OER website at first glance has a ton of information. Not in a bad way, but more to the effect of the faint angel sound "Ahhhhhhhhhh" that compliments the Holy Grail of new materials and resources available to teachers . As technology progresses, the more difficult it is to drag people set in their ways along with it. You can create your own profile and join the community or wiki for even more sharing. This website provides a modifyable search to help be subject specific. It also is grade level specific and provides current events and articles as well as the most recent useful resource discoveries. You can take a survey or even donate your own ideas. It's absolutely free to join, all you need is to create an account. I almost immediately noticed how there were tagged items at the bottom of the page, which to me gives them credibility for being up to date and demonstrating what they're all about. The specified search is also something that really stuck out to me because it brought up specific lessons or ideas for my subject area.
As for the community, it's got it all of the important topics covered, and utilizes those technologies in the process. You're immediately invited to join the wiki and become involved in the community. Blogs? Check. Wiki's? Check. Discussion Forums? Check. Conferences or Workshops? Check. The community has different topics and types that allow the user to choose what they like best.
It seems liket the site really wants to cater to everyone interested in making their classroom better. Regardless of skill or previous knowledge, it is all described or provided with examples. Teachers are always looking for ways to spice up their classroom (Baby, Ginger, Posh anyone?) and this is an excellent FREE resource that is easy to use. The coolest part to me, is that the community was already provided. In all of my experiences, idea generating always turns out better as a team or a group. They provide the means to do that and the best part is that youre not just limited to your own grade level, school, or city. You can reach people nationwide. Now, that's something to be excited about. I could use this to bounce new ideas off people or maybe see if anyone has tried a certain activity before. The opportunities and resources are really endless. You could use this site in so many different ways and have access to new information at any time.
To infinity and Beyond!