By Lauren McKeen McDonald, Open Education Librarian
According to a recent survey of Northwestern students, 53 percent reported either avoiding certain courses, dropping courses, or not purchasing all course materials because of high textbook costs. That’s why Northwestern Libraries support open educational resources (OER) that eliminate the cost of course materials for students. OER are faculty-created materials for teaching, learning and research in any medium – digital or otherwise – that have been released under an open license; such a license permits no-cost access, use, editing and sharing with no or limited restrictions (UNESCO).
In addition to creating a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive learning environment, grants for OER projects provide opportunities for Northwestern faculty to contribute to a growing field of educational materials that have the potential to impact students and instructors from around the globe.
Two upcoming grant opportunities offer more chances for faculty to participate in this impactful movement in higher education:
Northwestern’s AIR Initiative
Beginning Jan. 10, the Affordable Instructional Resources (AIR) initiative invites Northwestern faculty to apply for $5,000 grants to develop OER for undergraduate courses. Funded by the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and University Libraries, the annual AIR grants have gone to faculty who replaced their traditional textbooks by creating and adapting OER. Here are a few examples of projects in development:
- Aaron Greicius, Linear Algebra (MATH 240-0): Greicius is developing materials to make this course (the first in linear algebra) completely free and open. The finished project will include a textbook, lecture notes, an exercise bank, and an accompanying open homework platform option.
- Michelle Molina, Introduction to Religion (REL 170): During the pandemic, Molina filmed virtual interviews with scholars of religion from all over the world and used the videos within her introductory course. Her grant project is to refilm and expand upon the interviews to create a full video textbook, including transcripts and supplementary information.
- Desiree Hanford and Patti Wolter, Reporting and Writing (JOUR 201-1): Hanford and Wolter are working together (and recruiting other faculty authors) to write a multi-media text that will promote a Medill method to achieve substantive, insightful, accurate reporting and writing. The OER will include original chapters on topics such as diversity in journalism, social media in reporting, as well as foundational instruction on grammar and AP style.
- To browse other projects, including live example texts, visit the OER at Northwestern page.
Grant funds can be taken as a stipend or used to pay for aspects of OER development such as student assistants, travel, or recording equipment. Standard taxes and fringe benefit deductions apply. In addition to monetary support, each grant recipient will receive individualized support from librarians on finding, using, and publishing OER.
If you’d like to discuss a project idea before submitting an application, contact us at air@northwestern.edu. Applications are due March 25, 2022, and recipients will be notified by mid-April, 2022.
CARLI grants for “The Human Condition”
The Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries of Illinois (CARLI) is awarding eight grants for the creation of OER that serve courses that focus on “The Human Condition: Care, Development, and Lifespan.” Applicants can request up to $60,000; begin by filling out the Intent to Apply form prior to March 1, 2022. The submission deadline for the completed application packet, including all requested documents, is April 1, 2022.
CARLI is hosting informational Zoom workshops to discuss the grant and to walk future applicants through the application process:
- January 18, 2022 from 2-3:30 pm Register to attend.
- January 26, 2022 from 10-11:30 am Register to attend.
Attending a workshop is not required. Each workshop will cover the same information; applicants need attend only one session.
For more information visit the CARLI project website. If you’d like to discuss your idea or learn about OER support the libraries offer, contact lauren.mckeen@northwestern.edu.