BLOG: Current Happenings in OER - LibGuides at DePauw University Libraries

Table of Contents:

1. The Collaborative Syllabus: Empowering Students as Co-creators of their Learning Experience Heather J. Hether, PhD
2. Art in Engineering as Open Educational Resources Jean Hertzberg, PhD
3. Scientific Research for the Non-Science Student: A Collaborative Observational Research Journey for a Concentrated Course or Stand-Alone Unit Amanda Lohiser, PhD
4. Reinventing Exam Question Assessments in the Age of AI to Reflect Diverse Voices and Promote Critical Thinking Kelly Soczka Steidinger, M.A.
5. Partnering for Open Pedagogical Practices: Librarian Support in Campus Initiatives Christina R. Hilburger, MISt
6. Charting the Future of Open Pedagogy Angela M. McGowan-Kirsch, PhD

Recent Posts

Newly Published OER: Emphasizing a Student-Centered Process: Open Pedagogy Course Assessments Across Discipline

Emphasizing a Student-Centered Process: Open Pedagogy Course Assessments Across Disciplines showcases how Open Educational Practices (OEP) empower students as active contributors to knowledge creation. Contributors share practical strategies for implementing open pedagogy in diverse disciplines — from engineering and communication to interdisciplinary research and campus-wide initiatives.Table of Contents:1. The Collaborative Syllabus: Empowering Students as Co-creators of their Learning Experience Heather J. Hether, PhD2. Art in Engineering as Open Educational Resources Jean Hertzberg, PhD3. Scientific Research for the Non-Science Student: A Collaborative Observational Research Journey for a Concentrated Course or Stand-Alone Unit Amanda Lohiser, PhD4. Reinventing Exam Question Assessments in the Age of AI to Reflect Diverse Voices and Promote Critical Thinking Kelly Soczka Steidinger, M.A.5. Partnering for Open Pedagogical Practices: Librarian Support in Campus Initiatives Christina R. Hilburger, MISt6. Charting the Future of Open Pedagogy Angela M. McGowan-Kirsch, PhD ...

National survey shows higher education faculty embracing digital and open educational resources (OER)

The latest 2024-25 survey results from Bay View Analytics reveal a continued shift towards digital resources in higher education classrooms. The data show that faculty are increasingly adopting online courses and digital materials, with significant growth in the use of Open Educational Resources (OER).The survey, which collected responses from over 3,400 faculty members across the United States, found that:Digital resources remain a staple in higher education classrooms, with no significant changes in trends from last year.The number of faculty teaching fully online courses has increased to 48%, up from 40% last year. This represents a growing trend towards online learning, which is likely driven by the flexibility and accessibility it offers students.In terms of textbook availability, the survey found that almost all textbooks are now available digitally to students. This shift towards digital materials is consistent with previous years’ results, indicating a sustained move away from print-only textbooks. The use of OER has also seen significant growth, with:49% of faculty reporting using OER materials in at least one course, up from 41% last year.One-third of faculty now report using OER as required course materials, an increase from 26% last year. This represents a growing recognition among faculty of the benefits and value of OERFurthermore, the survey found that faculty ratings of OER materials remain high, with more “A” grades being awarded to OER compared to commercial publishers. This suggests that not only is the use of OER increasing, but also its perceived quality and effectiveness. The survey also found that awareness of OER has risen slightly this year, with more faculty reporting knowledge of OER and its benefits.According to Dr. Julia Seaman, Research Director at Bay View Analytics, “The results show that higher education faculty are settling into a new normal with regards to teaching online and perceptions of digital materials. While there may be some fluctuations from year to year, the overall trend is clear: digital resources, and OER specifically, are becoming increasingly important in higher education.”Read the full press release here. The complete report, which includes detailed data and analysis, can be downloaded from the Bay View Analytics website at www.bayviewanalytics.com/HigherEdOER....

New open textbook, Public Speaking and Democratic Participation: Speech, Deliberation, and Analysis in the Civic Realm

The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) is pleased to announce the release of “Public Speaking and Democratic Participation: Speech, Deliberation, and Analysis in the Civic Realm, 2nd ed.,” by Jennifer Y. Abbott, Professor and Chair of Rhetoric at Wabash College; Todd F. McDorman, Professor of Rhetoric and Dean of the College at Wabash College; David M. Timmerman, Provost and Executive Vice President for Operations and Professor of Rhetoric at Carthage College; and L. Jill Lamberton, Special Assistant to the President for Belonging and Community and Associate Professor of English at Wabash College. This open textbook—made possible through a Textbook Creation Grant from the PALSave: PALNI Affordable Learning program—equips students to effectively participate in and transform their communities through speech. As a peer-reviewed, open educational resource (OER), it is entirely free to students and is ready for use in any classroom. Drawing on the ancient study of rhetoric, the textbook teaches students informative and persuasive speaking skills to develop their public voice. Unique to this textbook, content is also provided on the qualities of productive and unproductive civic discourse and the democratic practices of deliberative discussion facilitation and rhetorical analysis. Together, these abilities help students practice responsible public discourse, counter social injustice, and nurture a healthier and more inclusive society. The second edition features updated examples and images, adopts a more succinct and conversational style, offers guidance for mediated forms of public speaking, and draws on rhetorical principles to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion....

New OER: Decoding Deception

“Our goal is to immerse readers in the art and science of detecting and deflecting manipulation. We are very proud to share this collaboratively-authored resource, which I hope will be as enjoyable to dive into with as it was to create.”Decoding Deception by Diana Daly and Kainan Jarrette is a dynamic multimedia OER that turns adults and college and high school students into expert lie detectors. This interactive guide blends humor, games, and activities with cognitive science and media literacy to reveal how biases, fallacies, and AI-fueled content can mislead us. Readers learn practical strategies for questioning sources, evaluating claims, and cutting through the noise of our post-truth era....

Newly Published OER: Emphasizing a Student-Centered Process: Open Pedagogy Course Assessments Across Discipline

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Newly Published OER: Emphasizing a Student-Centered Process: Open Pedagogy Course Assessments Across Discipline

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