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

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Part one is focused largely on concepts and part two is focused on practice using open source tools. This is an Open Educational Resource (OER). Part one was adapted mainly from Essentials of Geographic Information Systems, Campbell, 2011, and Spatial Thinking in Planning Practice: An Introduction to GIS, Fang, 2014. Part two is newly developed content focused on providing readers, scaffolded introductory exercises.

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James A. Arieti Open Access Collection publishes six well-respected classics titles

VIVA is excited to announce the publication of the James A. Arieti Open Access Collection, which features six well-respected classics titles:Discourses on the First Book of HerodotusInterpreting Plato: The Dialogues as DramaLonginus, On the Sublime: Translated into EnglishLonginus, On the Sublime: Translation and CommentaryThe Dating of LonginusHamartia: the Concept of Error in the Western Tradition: Essays in Honor of John M. Crossett, edited by Donald V. Stump; James A. Arieti; Lloyd Gerson; and Eleonore StumpBooks in the collection were previously published; the rights have been reverted to the author, who has now released them under a Creative Commons License in an effort to ensure they continue to be available to scholars and students for years to come. Users can read the books online via VIVA's Pressbooks or download the books as a PDF or EPUB. James A. Arieti was a professor in Hampden-Sydney College's Classics Department for over 40 years before retiring in 2021. For more on Dr. Arieti, visit the Arieti Project, which was created in honor of his retirement. See this announcement on the VIVA Blog. ...

Newly Published OER: An Introduction to Geospatial Thinking and Open Source GIS

An Introduction to Geospatial Thinking and Open Source GIS is a beginners guide to understanding geospatial concepts and tools. As we move into an age of AI generated research, this foundational learning is essential for understanding the nuts and bolts of conducting analyses as well as evaluating the analyses of others. Part one is focused largely on concepts and part two is focused on practice using open source tools. This is an Open Educational Resource (OER). Part one was adapted mainly from Essentials of Geographic Information Systems, Campbell, 2011, and Spatial Thinking in Planning Practice: An Introduction to GIS, Fang, 2014. Part two is newly developed content focused on providing readers, scaffolded introductory exercises....

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....

Newly Published OER: An Introduction to Geospatial Thinking and Open Source GIS

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Newly Published OER: An Introduction to Geospatial Thinking and Open Source GIS

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