The OpenLearn site is an example of an Open Educational Resource (OER)
providing units for free study and for re-use under the Creative Commons license. The
primary focus of the site is content but it also offers social tools such as forums, personal
journals, presence, and videoconferencing. The content can also support interactivity such as
quizzes, opportunities for reflection, and interactive diagrams. This paper discusses desirable
attributes for a learning environment suited to OERs and considers OpenLearn in the light of
the four types of learning focus suggested by Bransford et al (2002) namely: learner,
knowledge, community and assessment centred. A study of user views of OpenLearn is
reviewed using cluster analysis to identify possible user types. The needs of these user types
are then considered with a focus on assessment issues and possible responses suggested in the
case of OpenLearn to help bring in assessment to informal learning resources.