Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your interest in Open Educational Resources at Capilano University. As the interim chair of the OER Working Group, I would like to host our first meeting of the semester on Thursday September 6^th 11:30-1:00 in LB 309.

Please feel free to share this invite with anyone on campus that is currently using Open Educational Resources, or is interested. Hopefully at this meeting next week, we will be able to redefine the scope and objectives of the working group. At the last meeting we created the following:

The advantages of using open educational resources (OERs) include:

• Expanded access to learning: Students anywhere in the world can access OERs at any time.
• Scalability: OERs are easy to distribute widely with little or no cost.
• Augmentation of class materials: OERs can supplement commercial textbooks where deficiencies in information are evident.
• Less expense for students: The use of OERs instead of commercial textbooks can substantially reduce the cost of course materials for students.
• Showcasing of innovation and talent: A wide audience may learn of faculty expertise. Potential students and donors may be impressed, and student and faculty recruitment efforts may be enhanced.
• Ties for alumni: OERs provide an excellent way for alumni to stay connected to the institution and continue with a program of lifelong learning.
• Quick circulation and continually improved resources: OERs can be improved and disseminated quickly. Instructors can take an existing OER, adapt it for a class, and make the modified OER available for others to use.

These advantages contribute to the University’s strategic priorities: more students on campus and building our capacity.

The OER Working Group recommends that:

1. The Manager of the Centre for Teaching Excellence be given the responsibility and resources to raise awareness and encourage OER adoption through collaboration with faculty, students, administration, IT and the Library.
2. As part of the new faculty orientation process, new faculty receive an introduction to open educational practices, including OER.
3. New curriculum and program initiatives be encouraged to incorporate open educational practices, such as OER, in collaboration with Academic Initiatives and Planning.
4. Financial incentives be created for faculty to adopt, adapt or create OER. Examples from other institutions:

a. Matching funds (e.g., BCcampus grants)

b. Section release

c. PD funds

See you next week,

Blake

Blake Rowsell, B.Ed, MA Tourism

Outdoor Recreation Program Convenor and Instructor Schools of Tourism Management & Outdoor Recreation

604.986.1911 local 3453  |  blakerowsell@capilanou.ca

2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver British Columbia, Canada |  V7J3H5  |  capilanou.ca/outdoor

Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. We respectfully acknowledge that our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh), Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.