UW Libraries to Host OER 101 Workshop Ahead of Alternative Textbook Grant Application

University of Wyoming instructors interested in reducing course costs and improving student access to learning materials are invited to attend an upcoming workshop on open educational resources (OER).

UW Libraries will host "OER 101: Pre-Alternative Textbook Grant Workshop" Wednesday, Oct. 1, at noon. The session will be offered both in person and online. Registration is available at https://uwyo.libcal.com/event/14325694.

The workshop introduces faculty to OER, which are free, openly licensed educational materials that can replace or supplement costly textbooks. Instructors will learn about the benefits of adopting OER, including improving student success and reducing financial barriers to higher education.

"The alternative textbook grant is part of UW Libraries' ongoing efforts to expand access to affordable learning materials and advance student success and engagement," says Sammy Peter, chair of research and outreach services at UW Libraries. "Previous grant recipients have created a variety of resources from entire textbooks to supplemental course materials like slides and quizzes. Creating content as OER allows for easier access to students and supports learning around the world."

Faculty members who attend the session will be prepared to apply for UW's alternative textbook grant, which supports the development and adoption of OER in courses across campus. Grants are awarded to instructors who adopt, adapt or create new open textbooks or other course learning materials, and awards range from $2,500-$5,000. Proposals will be evaluated on a number of categories outlined in the scoring rubric developed by members of UW Libraries' OER Committee. Proposals are due Friday, Oct. 31.

More information about the grant program and application process is available at https://www.uwyo.edu/oer.