Adopt One Open Textbook and Make a Difference

The passage of the Open Textbook bills in California is a significant development in the open educational resources (OER) space. We have been working on getting the word out as to the benefits of Open Textbooks for some time now. However, when the largest higher education system in the US takes action like this – folks will take notice. In fact, I think this news could be the “tipping point” for an Open Textbook revolution.

Consider the $172 cost of the new edition of one of the top selling algebra books for one of our highest enrolled mathematics courses - Algebra. Now consider that I have over 40 students in each of my 3 sections - that is over 120 students:

$172 x 120 students = $20,640

This is a lot of money for one instructor's one semester of Algebra - now scale this up to the over 340,000 Algebra students in California and you start to see the significant amounts of money involved here!  Here is an info-graphic made by the 20 Million Minds Foundation and an open textbook savings calculator. I like to say that adopting an open textbook is like your very own local stimulus plan!

http://www.20mm.org/infographic-open-source-impact.html 

Now some might argue that the top selling textbook is better for any number of reasons... and yes it might be.  But we have to start considering student cost in our decisions to adopt.  

Is it $172 better?

Is it $100 better?

Is it $50 better?

Is it $25 better?

Can I supplement any shortcomings?

Do I have the time to make change?

I happen to think the 21st century college instructor will use a LMS to aggregate OER as a means to present a course that leverages his/her expertise. High quality modular Open Textbooks and resources are the key. Modifying open textbooks, collecting good content and building courses is time consuming. However, the benefits in course relevance and cost far outweigh any upfront effort. New editions are totally up to you and not a product of the bottom line!

We need to take the “all of the above” approach to addressing the soaring costs of education. These bills may not solve the cost issue overnight - but they sure bring the $200 textbook problem into laser focus. I truly hope the use of Open Textbooks tips - where more faculty and students become aware of their viability. 

Instructor Challenge: Start by adopting one open textbook for next semester. They are hard to find, modify, and supplement.  Some links are provided below that might help. Join the OER community:

 http://collegeopentextbooks.ning.com/

Students Challenge: Start by searching out open textbooks and send the links to your instructors.  Sign the petition. This will be your legacy to those who come after you.

My Viable Math Textbook Links

College Open Textbooks: http://www.collegeopentextbooks.org/

Merlot OER repository: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/index.htm

---

Intermediate Algebra Sample Test Questions

I have added two worksheets that are to accompany the free to read online Intermediate Algebra textbook.

[ Algebra Fundamentals - Chapter 1 ]

[ Graphing Functions and Inequalities - Chapter 2 ]

Remember that you can find a complete list of visually searchable videos that accompany these chapters by clicking the link below.

Intermediate Algebra -- Visually searchable YouTube playlist. 

Instructors: You can find more worksheets by clicking the Intermediate Algebra Textbook link on this site. Please feel free to cut-and-paste anything you find here into your course.

Algebra Solving Worksheets

Solving is a very important skill to learn in any algebra course. The ability to solve a variety of different types of equations and inequalities takes time and practice to master.  Below are some worksheets that will help master these skills

[ Ch. 2 Solving Linear Equations ]
[ Ch. 2 Solving Linear Inequalities ]
[ Ch. 6 Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring ]
[ Ch. 7 Solving Rational Equations ]
[ Ch. 8 Solving Radical Equations ]

If you are an instructor, please feel free to use these worksheets in your algebra course. More supplementary material can be found on our Elementary Algebra Textbook page.

---

Tuition and Fees

Image by Inniebear via Flickr

In my area (Central California) the tuition and fees associated with full time education are as follows:

1. Community College - $36 per unit... $864 per year.

2. State College - $6,263 per year.

3. State University -  $13,070 per year.

4. Private University - $25,236 per year.

Of course there are many more considerations involved when choosing. My suggestion is to begin at a local community college, choose a major that fits your interests (do not be afraid to change it), and become as involved as possible.  Also, go full time and live at home as long as you can while you do it. See a counselor.

Most of all... take your time and enjoy your college years!

---

Related articles

• College costs climb, yet again (money.cnn.com)
• Whose University? (livinglearningteaching.wordpress.com)
• Reasons to Consider Community College (education.com)

Elementary Algebra (Ch. 8) Radical Expressions and Equations

Elementary Algebra is an open textbook that is available to read for free on the flatworld knowledge website. Chapter 8 gives an introduction to radical expressions and equations.

8.1 Radicals
8.2 Simplifying Radical Expressions
8.3 Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
8.4 Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions
8.5 Rational Exponents
8.6 Solving Radical Equations

You will find a complete review exercise section and a practice test.

8.7 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Feel free to copy and paste the links found here and post them in your LMS. Links to all of the chapters can be found by clicking the Elementary Algebra course button at the top of this page.

---

Video Examples of Polynomials and Their Operations

All of the "Try This!" problems in the open textbook Elementary Algebra have been solved and are available for free on YouTube.  Click on the problems below to view the videos found in chapter 5.

Polynomials and Their Operations

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

For further updates please feel free to circle the Elementary Algebra Google+ page for this book.
---

Beginning Algebra in the Early 20th Century

Image via WikipediaIt is interesting to see how content changes and stays the same over time. Check out these two beginning Algebra books that I found on the Project Gutenberg webiste:

A First Book in Algebra by Wallace C. Boyden 1895

The First Steps in Algebra by G. A. Wentworth 1904

"162. A root which can be found exactly is called an exact or
rational root. Such roots are either whole numbers or fractions.
A root which is indicated but can be found only approxi-
mately is called a surd. Such roots involve the roots of imperfect
powers. 

Rational and surd roots are together called real roots. 

A root which is indicated but cannot be found, either exactly
or approximately, is called an imaginary root. Such roots in-
volve the even roots of negative numbers."

--- 

Elementary Algebra (Ch.1) Real Numbers and Their Operations

Elementary Algebra is an open textbook that is available to read for free on the flatworld knowledge website. Chapter 1 is considered a review chapter covering many of the topics found in a Pre-Algebra course. You will find written examples, video examples, and exercises with answers to the odd problems.


1.1 Real Numbers and the Number Line
1.2 Adding and Subtracting Integers
1.3 Multiplying and Dividing Integers
1.4 Fractions
1.5 Review of Decimals and Percents
1.6 Exponents and Square Roots
1.7 Order of Operations

In addition, you will find a complete review exercise section and a practice test.

1.8 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Feel free to copy and paste the links found here and post them in your LMS.  Links to all of the chapters can be found by clicking the Elementary Algebra course button at the top of this page.

---

Quadratic Expression Generating Widget

Check out Wolfram Alpha's gallery of widgets. You can embed them into your blog or website as I have below.

Also, Wolfram Alpha Widget Builder allows you to easily generate widgets.  I was able to create my first widget in less than 20 minutes using their easy step oriented widget creating interface.  Enter the roots and click multiply... try as many real and complex roots as you wish!

Related articles

• Wolfram Alpha for Your Desktop (freetech4teachers.com)
• Introducing Wolfram|Alpha Widgets for Everyone, Everywhere
• A Computational Knowledge Engine on Your Site: Wolfram Alpha Launches Widget Builder

Low Tech Methods to Improve Success

I am always looking for ways to enhance the student experience with technology. I find that tech adds interest and can engage the student in ways that I could not in the past. In addition, the ability to understand and implement new technological tools is an important skill to develop in order to be competetive in the 21st century.

HOWEVER, it is also important to be reminded of the basics that we may take for granted. Co-author of College Success, Tom Lochhaas, does just that in his blog:

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Going (or Returning) to College

An excellent common sense reminder students should read and reread every semester!

Open Yale Courses

Take a look at the nicely organized open courses at Yale. (  http://oyc.yale.edu/  )
Image via Wikipedia

Open Yale Courses provides free and open access to a selection of introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University. The aim of the project is to expand access to educational materials for all who wish to learn.

Related articles

• Ivy League Education for All - Free Open Courses at Yale (socyberty.com)
• Yale University Website

View Larger Map

The Benefits of Open Textbooks

Image via WikipediaCost is not the only benefit of open textbooks.  Instructors are encouraged to modify and aggregate content to make their courses more current and relevant.  Add content to your LMS each semester and evolve your course.  Reuse, remix, and share your content.

Before considering an open textbook or any other open educational resource (OER) consider reading:

7 Things you Should Know About Open Textbook Publishing

These concepts are mirrored in Dr. Shu Schiller's video endorsement of Flat World Knowledge textbooks:

Another great resource for open content is the Merlot website. Merlot stands for multimedia educational resource for learning and online teaching.  There is much to sift through out there.  This is why I suggest using an LMS like Blackboard or Moodle, you can add or modify content each semester and evolve your course over time... 21st students will appreciate it.

Related articles

• 1 in 4 College Textbooks Will Be Digital By 2015 (nytimes.com)
• What *is* "Open"? (elearningcentralia.wordpress.com)
• CK-12 Brings Digital Books into the Classroom (ostatic.com)

Flipping the Traditional Classroom Model

IDEA:  Assign lectures for homework and exercises for classwork.



Salman Khan has some interesting ideas.

Elementary Algebra has been published with Flatworld Knowledge

I am excited to announce that Flat World Knowledge (FWK) has just published a new textbook, Elementary Algebra. In order to combat soaring textbook prices, I have written this textbook in a concise and modular fashion as to maximize its effectiveness as an open educational resource.

What makes this textbook exciting is the FWK business model. Elementary Algebra is available under a creative commons license and has been thoroughly reviewed, designed, and integrated into flatworldknowledge.com platform.  Some of the benefits include:

•  FREE to read online without registration, login, or expiration!
•  Low cost offline choices (printed copies, pdf, individual chapters…).
• Customization.
• Flexibility for both student and instructor.

I encourage instructors to modify this textbook and leverage their individual expertise as a means to maximize the student experience and success. Or simply use it as it is, you will find that the topics are organized in a very traditional manner.

---

Elementary Algebra

• Chapter 1: Real Numbers and Their Operations
• Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
• Chapter 3: Graphing Lines
• Chapter 4: Solving Linear Systems
• Chapter 5: Polynomials and Their Operations
• Chapter 6: Factoring and Solving by Factoring
• Chapter 7: Rational Expressions and Equations
• Chapter 8: Radical Expressions and Equations
• Chapter 9: Solving Quadratic Equations and Graphing Parabolas

---

An affordable textbook can be available in the bookstore or instructors can just provide a link to students on the first day of class. Students can then choose the option that best suits their personal situation.  In addition, instructors can incorporate the textbook into their CMS by linking to individual pages.  Also, feel free to embed the associated YouTube videos.

This textbook employs an early and often approach to real world applications, laying the foundation for students to translate problems described in words into mathematical equations. It clearly lays out the steps required to build the skills needed to solve these equations and interpret the results.  With robust and diverse exercise sets, students have the opportunity to solve plenty of practice problems.  In addition to embedded video examples, textual notation is introduced as a means to communicate solutions electronically throughout the text.  This is important if instructors wish to incorporate resources like Wolfram Alpha into their course.  In any case, I am excited to be a part of the solution to the current rising costs associated with one of our essential developmental math courses.  We now have more affordable choices!

• New editions                            →        your choice ü
• 40% bookstore markup            →        your choice ü
• CMS integration                       →        your choice ü
• Customization                           →        your choice ü

Head over to FWK and have a look; browse the catalog.

Compare this textbook to other open source algebra projects and you will find that FWK did a pretty good job. Mathematics was a particular challenge for the system.  The website makes use of MathJax and images to present the material.  Click an image for a larger view.  Right click a math element and explore the options MathJax provides.  For example, you can change the zoom trigger in settings to make the equations zoom in on a double click.

Even if you are unable to adopt this textbook, please feel free to distribute a link to it to your students and colleagues.  I truly believe that it will be a valuable resource for students.  Also, email me with any suggestions or ideas that you may have and look for Intermediate Algebra to be published soon.

johnr@cos.edu

jt.redden@gmail.com

---

Math != Calculating

This is an interesting talk:



Math >> Calculating

1. Pose the right questions.
2. Real world problem --> math formulation
3. Computation
4. Math formulation --> real world problem and verification

Maybe not spend so much time on step 3?  Use computer programming to nail down understanding!  These are very interesting ideas.

===