Assumptions:
- Faculty member has heard of open textbooks, and is internally driven to adopt, but doesn’t know how to start
- May have selected a book, but is likely wanting direction on how to start (liked the message they heard and want to take action)
- Process is designed to work for instructors in any venue
| Service | General Description of Service | Est. Lead Time (for OLO assistance) | Faculty Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (Adopt) | Adopt a book and use it as is | 1 month | Minimal (< 10 hrs) |
| Medium (Remix) | Use portions of a resource; re-order or remove whole sections such as chapters or pages (but not change any content within the pages, such as chapter numbers) | 1 - 2 months | Moderate (10 - 20 hrs) |
| Heavy (Modify) | Change content within pages (text, images, formatting). Add new sentences. Change headings, phrasing, chapter numbers, etc. Limited to less than 33% of the book. | 3 - 6 months | Significant (20 - 30 hrs) |
| Extensive (Contribute Original Material) | Create multiple new sections/chapters of content | 3 - 6+ months | Substantial (> 30 hrs) |
Open Textbook Questions
- What books are available for my course?
First, ask faculty what they are looking for (a request form might be a nice idea), then look at OpenStax https://openstaxcollege.org/ and Open Textbook Library http://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/ and send faculty link to possible selections to be reviewed.
What if I can't find an open textbook for my course? Do I have any other options? Yes, check https://www.oercommons.org
New books are being added all of the time. Also, OER might be available to use; this allows a greater variety of diverse resources to be used. - Do I need to tell anyone (PM, Dept Chair, Dean)?
Just like with any course revision, you should communicate with your Department Chair. The UNW Bookstore will also need to be informed of textbook changes. - After selecting a book what do I need to do to get it in my course?
What if I want to make changes to the book? How does that work?
If I want assistance whom do I contact to make changes?
This is best discussed on a case-by-case basis. One of our OLO designers can assist and offer support.
Self-starters may appreciate the resource produced by the Open Textbook Network, entitled Modifying an Open Textbook: What You Need to Know found at https://press.rebus.community/otnmodify/ - How will students know I am using an open textbook?
You will communicate it to students verbally and on the syllabus.
How will students get access to the book? Include link on Moodle course site
What if students want a physical copy of the book? Include instructions for printing on the course. - Do I need to communicate that I am not using a traditional, printed textbook with the bookstore?
Does the course registration deadline apply in this instance, or can I change my books whenever?
It's still best practice to have the book well in advance, but since the Campus Store isn't ordering it, the timeline is more flexible. - How do I receive a desk copy?
Who is responsible for paying print fees if I want a physical copy? Your dept. for Trad. and C-GOAL for CAGS or UP.
- How long will it take to implement?
Depends on whether you are simply adopting it or adapting it, and if you are adapting, how much will be changed (see chart above)
How quickly do I need to make a decision? We recommend determining the textbook at least three months advance of running the class is recommended. - Can I make changes to the book as the course is running for a CAGS or UP course?
We'd recommend not changing it mid-course. - What if students have trouble accessing the electronic copy of the textbook?
Contact OLO designers. - Will I be compensated for modifying an open textbook to fit my class?
Dependent upon the percentage of the course that will be necessary to be revised due to the book change, you may get a contract for revision for CAGS or UP, but not for Trad.
What if I don't use an open textbook, but I still replace my textbook with library resources?
Again, the compensation for UP and CAGS will depend upon the percentage of the course that will need to be revised.
Helpful Information about Open Educational Resources
Open Educational Resources: Good for Affordability; Better for Learning | Temple University
https://teaching.temple.edu/edvice-exchange/2016/09/open-educational-resources-good-affordability-better-learning
OER to be a Game-Changer in Higher Education | CIO Review
http://knowledgemanagement.cioreview.com/cxoinsight/open-educational-resources-oer-to-be-a-game-changer-in-higher-education-nid-18534-cid-132.html
OER: Some Questions and Answers by David Wiley | Open Content Blog
http://opencontent.org/blog/archives/4529
Digital Tools Provide Cost Savings, Flexibility | The Argus Observer
http://www.argusobserver.com/news/digital-tools-provide-cost-savings-flexibility/article_183cd824-acd8-11e6-a191-cf11e5616c34.html
Education without limits: Why open textbooks are the way forward by David Wiley