Community College Open Textbook Project
Free to Learn
Dr Paul Dale, Interim President, PVCC
Here at CCOTP, we are delighted to have permission to reprint the following quote from Dr. Paul Dale, Interim President at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, on the benefits of open educational resources:
May 5, 2009
What's on my Mind?
Open Source Learning Resources - PVCC has an opportunity to be an institutional leader in transitioning from traditional text books to the use of open source learning resources. Open source learning resources are educational materials and resources offered freely and openly for anyone to use and under some licenses to re-mix, improve and redistribute, including: full course materials, content modules, learning objects, books, and software (definition source - Ron Bleed). Many open source learning resources are delivered in the context of content and learning management systems. More simply stated – rather than using a text book, customized course materials are made available on-line.
Several faculty members are already using open source learning resources including Kurt Hill, Doss Powell and John Douglass. Our librarian team is also creating open source learning resources for use in information literacy and as supplements to content disciplines. Check out their workshop this summer and create your own e-book! I believe that this is a critical innovation for PVCC to be out in front of the rest of higher education. Why? There are a number of reasons: 1) significantly reduces the overall cost for students; 2) provides a competitive advantage for PVCC in terms of learning environment; 3) there is a potential that we can promote a more "green" approach to use of paper; and 4) most importantly, I believe that open source learning resources have the potential to enhance the teaching and learning process with greater interactivity, currency of information, integrated use of digital tools (audio, video), and increased student engagement (i.e. use of Google docs for shared editing). Watch for more on this opportunity.
Paul Dale, Ed.D.
Paradise Valley Community College Interim President
May 5, 2009
What's on my Mind?
Open Source Learning Resources - PVCC has an opportunity to be an institutional leader in transitioning from traditional text books to the use of open source learning resources. Open source learning resources are educational materials and resources offered freely and openly for anyone to use and under some licenses to re-mix, improve and redistribute, including: full course materials, content modules, learning objects, books, and software (definition source - Ron Bleed). Many open source learning resources are delivered in the context of content and learning management systems. More simply stated – rather than using a text book, customized course materials are made available on-line.
Several faculty members are already using open source learning resources including Kurt Hill, Doss Powell and John Douglass. Our librarian team is also creating open source learning resources for use in information literacy and as supplements to content disciplines. Check out their workshop this summer and create your own e-book! I believe that this is a critical innovation for PVCC to be out in front of the rest of higher education. Why? There are a number of reasons: 1) significantly reduces the overall cost for students; 2) provides a competitive advantage for PVCC in terms of learning environment; 3) there is a potential that we can promote a more "green" approach to use of paper; and 4) most importantly, I believe that open source learning resources have the potential to enhance the teaching and learning process with greater interactivity, currency of information, integrated use of digital tools (audio, video), and increased student engagement (i.e. use of Google docs for shared editing). Watch for more on this opportunity.
Paul Dale, Ed.D.
Paradise Valley Community College Interim President
About
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