When I read chapter 1 of A Guide to Making Open Textbooks with Students, I noticed authors point out the connection between expenses and student learning, “ 67% of college students in Florida and 54% of those in British Columbia[14] cannot afford to purchase at least one of their required course textbooks”, this data shocked me, I never think these small expenses are so powerful that may decide if a student can get his/her degree successfully. Personally, this reminds me of the first time I studied in UVIC, I looked at the price of my required course’s textbook, it was 110 CAD or something near, and it was just a digital edition book, as international student, I thought I already be used to with these expensive fees(flight, course fees and rent), but when I was required to buy a 100 dollar textbook, I really thought that was way to expensive, therefore when everytime I was told the course did not need to buy any textbook or website account, I was really glad to hear that. For students who can not afford the textbook, I can imagine their situation, they have to buy the textbook from last term’s students or share with others, but no matter which way they choose, this thing will become the obstacles on their path to graduation or even pass the course. That’s why OERs are important for students, they can save their money on other stuff, and avoid to have psychological pressure from can not afford to buy the textbook. I think for both high level education and other education using OERs is a great way to improve students’ learning, and teachers can also tell students education should be fearless and creative, using OERs can cover more stuff besides textbooks, it helps students to learn with more perspectives and open their minds.
Reference,
Mays, E. (Ed.). (2017). A guide to making open textbooks with students. Rebus Community.
Thanks for the post, Ziwei! You’re right that even if students stick with a course with an expensive textbook, it will likely impact their overall learning. They can likely get by, but it won’t be as good as it would be if they simply had the course resources without any barriers.
I’d like to see you explore some of the other aspects of open beyond the cost. How might the 5 Rs impact student learning? I am particularly interested in your thoughts around Revise and Remix.
Also, remember to give your posts enticing titles to bring in the readers.
Thanks!
Hey Ziwei! I totally agree with you! As an international student, it’s really expensive to pay for a class. In addition, the cost becomes more expensive because of the exchange rate relationship between countries. I really like classes that don’t require a textbook or that are open to the public for free. Yaqi
my blog3: https://yaqi.opened.ca/edci339-topic3/
Hi, Ziwei
I agree with you that we as international students are used to high airfares or exchange rates and so on, but we still feel whether it is unnecessary for over 100 textbooks. So I also think that open education can reduce the psychological pressure.
Hey!
I totally agree with your point that online learning does come with its cons. like class payments and enrolment. Great points you made here!