OER Digest – November 30, 2023
Aishah Abdullah (SPARC) | Volume 176 | November 30, 2023
THE OER DIGEST
Your monthly newsletter for open education updates, opportunities, and reminders
OPEN TEXTBOOK PILOT GRANTEES: The Department of Education has awarded new Open Textbook Grants to six recipients, totaling nearly $12 million. Funded annually by Congress, the Open Textbook Pilot grant program supports projects at higher education institutions to expand the use of open textbooks in order to save students money and improve learning. Projects funded in 2023 include the creation of new OER, the expansion of open-source software, and the establishment of an OER Hub. To learn more about the latest round of grants, visit this roundup of the projects.
OPEN CONNECTIONS
Conferences, jobs, and other OER-related opportunities
SUBMIT NOW: Proposals are open for the 10th Anniversary of the Digital Initiatives Symposium which will be on April 29-30, 2024 at the University of San Diego. The conference is a two-day live event with workshops and concurrent sessions on Day 1, and keynote, featured, and invited speakers on Day 2. The deadline is December 15th, 2023.
SUBMIT NOW: The Northeast Regional OER Conference Committee invites you to submit a proposal for their 2024 conference. This year’s theme is A World Beyond Affordability, which will focus conversations on the additional benefits and implications of open educational practices beyond cost savings for students. The deadline to submit is January 8th, 2024.
SUBMIT NOW: The Canadian Journal of Academic Librarianship (CJAL) invites submissions to our special issue on Libraries and/as Extraction. CJAL is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal published by the Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians (CAPAL). Deadline is December 18, 2023.
WEBINAR: Join Open Oregon’s webinar Inclusive or Exclusive? Examining "Inclusive Access" Textbook Programs on December 1st at 12:00pm PT. Learn about the “Inclusive Access" model and what campuses can do to prioritize equity and inclusion for course materials in their decisions.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Quick snapshots of those making change on the ground level, and those impacted
FROM ARKANSAS: The University Libraries and Associated Student Government have collaborated to create a list of courses utilizing no-cost materials instead of traditional textbooks. Students are encouraged to view this list before enrolling in courses for the spring 2024 semester. This idea, driven by students, highlights the importance of ensuring students know their cost-saving options. Brooke Williard, the Director of Open Access Resources for the Associated Student Government, shared "It is so important for the student body to be aware of these resources so they can make informed decisions as they register for classes.” Students have saved $290,000 on textbook materials due to OER in Fall 2023 and that number is expected to expand. Read More >>
FROM TEXAS: The Provost of Texas A&M University has directed $500,000 additional funding toward curbing textbook costs. The initiative aims to explore and implement Open Educational Resources, providing students with more affordable and accessible course materials. The program is expected to reduce or eliminate textbook costs in 19 courses and potentially save students more than $1 million in the first year. This strategic decision aligns with the university's commitment to enhancing the overall student experience by addressing the rising expenses of traditional textbooks. The move underscores a broader trend in higher education towards embracing open and cost-effective alternatives to support student success. Read More >>
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Each edition, we highlight an interesting, new, openly-licensed resource
The Open Education Network has released a new resource, The Open Pedagogy Student Toolkit. It is designed to guide students engaging in open pedagogy. The toolkit defines open pedagogy, covers the benefits of open pedagogy, and explains the rights and responsibilities of student creators. The toolkit is available in Pressbooks and Google Drive.
WEIGH IN
Great reads to repost or share and interesting discussions to consider
Great to Share >>
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Teachers with Disabilities through ICT CFT and OERs | UNESCO
Open education resources help make college more affordable | The University Record
Penn State offers low-cost course marker as most PA college students worry about textbook costs | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Interesting to Consider >>
UMass World Librarians discuss impact of connecting underserved communities to educational resources | Daily Collegian
College textbooks should be free | Campus News
CA colleges work to reduce high cost of textbooks | Public News Service
California panel discusses potential plans to adjust textbook pricing | The Poly Post