Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to articulate the value of replacing course textbooks with alternatives that are affordable for students

2. Participants will be able to select methods and strategies for changing course materials to affordable alternatives

3. Participants will be able to use library and open web resources to help them find and implement pre-made affordable materials

Description:

Educational costs are more of a challenge than ever in our current remote learning situation, where used textbooks are more difficult to acquire and other economic circumstances may be creating difficulties for students. This workshop will assist teaching faculty who want to alleviate their students' burdens by replacing costly course textbooks with high-quality alternatives that are free or low-cost to students. We will discuss the benefits of using affordable and accessible materials even beyond saving students money, and bust some common myths about alternatives to traditional textbooks. We will also provide practical strategies for multiple methods of implementing alternatives, with realistic estimations of the time and effort required for each, and demonstrate how to find and evaluate pre-existing materials using library resources and on the open web. Please join us to learn how you can help your students be less stressed and more engaged with your teaching, as soon as next semester!

Skill levels for attendees: Little to no experience, Some experience