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Thursday, March 6 |
Presentation | Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00-10:45 am |
Blueprint for OER Success: Building a Collaborative Learning Community.
|
Developing Learner-Driven OERs with Design Thinking |
| 11:00-11:45 am |
Reinventing Higher Education |
Itinerary Insights |
| 12 Noon- 1:20 pm |
Keynote
|
|
| 2:00-2:45 pm |
OER Champions |
Bridging the Divide: An Example of Strong Interdepartmental Collaboration for Student Success |
| 3:00-3:45 pm |
Open: A Future for Education |
Blueprint for OER Professional Development |
Time: 10:00 am- 10:45 am
Title: Blueprint for OER Success: Building a Collaborative Learning Community
Description:
The Open Educational Resources Learning Community at the University of Virginia serves as a dynamic model for fostering collaborative strategies in OER development and implementation. This community, launched in 2023, brings together faculty, librarians, instructional designers, and educational technologists to explore innovative practices in OER creation and adaptation. Over the course of five interactive sessions, participants engage in peer learning, resource sharing, and project building with an eye towards open pedagogy practices. This session will share the community’s design, activities, and outcomes, offering a practical blueprint for institutions seeking to establish their own OER learning initiatives. Participants will leave with insights into effective facilitation strategies, session design, and the impact participant work has had on student learning thus far. Emphasis will be placed on the role of cross-disciplinary collaboration and the power of collective knowledge-sharing in advancing OER initiatives. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore the OER the facilitators created to scaffold the community for replication in other settings.
Learning Outcomes:
Attendees will
-identify key strategies for building an OER learning community;
-explore facilitation skills to support peer learning and knowledge sharing;
-consider the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in discussions about OER design;
-discover the benefits of cross-departmental partnerships between instructional designers, faculty, librarians, and education specialists.
Presenter(s): Bethany Mickel
Bethany (she/her) is the Instructional Design & OER Librarian at the University of Virginia. Her work involves facilitating open education initiatives and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students on open projects. Her work also includes the development of online resources to support library instruction. With a background in instruction design, her research interests include Open Pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, the intersectionality of information and media literacy, as well as project-based learning as a means of assessment. She is a passionate practitioner of inclusive design and pedagogy and seeks ways to make learning accessible and welcoming for all.
Time: 10:00 am- 10:45 am
Title: Developing Learner-Driven OERs with Design Thinking Mindset
Description:
The most crucial ingredient in applying a design mindset is to define the correct problem. Yes, OER is about reducing costs, but it serves learners in more ways. Do your learners relate better to visual explanations over long text narratives? Are your learners working a full-time job and trying to go to school? What is the problem you need to solve for the best learning experience? How do we get to know our learners? Empathy. It is about understanding people’s needs—the learners, teachers, or other stakeholders your OER will impact. Empathy helps us understand the problems and leads to ideation—the right solution. We need to ask the question: Do people want or need this? This is the circle of Desirability. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we learn that everyone can be creative under the right conditions. It is not about making things pretty but about functionality and results. Everyone is capable of ideation and turning that into a doable innovation. They need the right conditions. Are the tools needed to build this OER at hand? If not, how do we find them? This is the circle of Feasibility. We will also look at making sure our solution is sustainable. Is the cost of human and technical capital manageable? If not, how do we make it so? This is the circle of Viability. Understanding how your OER meets the three circles empowers you with a methodology for the most favorable learner outcome.
Learning Outcomes:
Audience will apply a design thinking mindset by practicing the three core elements of design thinking in formulating a prospective user-centric OER.
Presenter(s): Chris Ingersoll
Chris Ingersoll teaches design at the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. An award-winning professional designer for twenty years, Chris embraced teaching in the early 2000s after completing a master’s in Advertising and Design at Syracuse University. She is passionate about integrating OER development into academics and helping faculty use the power of design as successfully as they would use excellent writing to create effective learning products. She is the author of two grant-supported OERs, one of which has been published and the other near completion. Currently, she is conducting grant-supported research on West Virginia’s faculty’s needs for implementing good design in creating user-centric learning materials. A former equestrian, you can now find her on a gravel bike, on the trails with her two adventure dogs, or discussing the book arts with fellow bibliophiles over a good cup of coffee.
Time: 11:00 am- 10:45 am
Title: Reinventing Higher Education
Description:
The integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) represents a critical innovation in nursing education, offering a strategic solution to reduce financial barriers and enhance learning accessibility. Goodwin University identified rising tuition and textbook costs as a major obstacle for students completing their degree. For example, second career nursing students often enter the program with previous college debt of over $50,000. Those findings amplified the impact of economic instability on student learning outcomes. Purpose: This presentation describes a comprehensive institution wide approach to implementing OER across three schools including the School of Nursing, drawing from extensive experience in curriculum redesign and educational leadership. Method: Through a collaborative "Triumvirate Approach" involving faculty, librarians, and instructional designers, and the application of the cost, outcomes, usage, and perceptions (COUP) framework, the team implemented and evaluated the efficacy of OER and the significant strides have been made in transforming educational resource delivery. The Social Determinant of Learning framework Results: Key outcomes include a substantial $645,000 in student savings across three schools and 50 courses, with OER implementation reaching over 90% of RN-BSN courses and 50% of Accelerated BSN courses. Additionally, a pilot study revealed overwhelmingly positive student experiences, demonstrating comparable academic outcomes and potential cost savings of approximately $3,000 per student in textbook expenses, and a 35% reduction in student reliance on financial aid for textbooks underscores the economic impact of OER. Implications: Attendees will gain practical strategies for integrating OER, understanding its potential to create more equitable, accessible, and affordable nursing education pathways.
Learning Outcomes:
Audience will
- Explain the Concept and Value of OER
- Highlight Strategies for Successful OER Implementation
- Evaluate the Impact of OER on Students and Faculty
Presenter(s): Vivienne Friday
Dr. Vivienne E. Friday is a highly respected leader in nursing education, currently serving as the Dean of Nursing and Health Professions at Goodwin University. With more than two decades of extensive experience, Dr. Friday has made a significant impact in advancing nursing programs and cultivating a culture of excellence within the field. She has successfully initiated several innovative programs, including the LPN program at Goodwin University and a CNA program at Goodwin Magnet High School, directly addressing critical workforce needs. Her most recent innovation of a pathway initiative between the School of Nursing and Health Professions and the Magnet School System (elementary to high school) at Goodwin University is geared towards having a positive impact on the workforce. Her forward-thinking approach to curriculum advancement has led to the comprehensive redesign of BSN and MSN programs, ensuring alignment with AACN Essentials, and prioritizing modern educational practices, such as open educational resources (OER) and universal design for learning (UDL). By emphasizing student success, Dr. Friday has secured essential funding for scholarships and established initiatives such as a holistic admission review process, student boot camps and peer mentoring programs that significantly enhance, diversity, retention, and academic achievements. Dr. Friday holds a Doctor of Education in Nursing, along with two master’s degrees, embodying academic excellence and a strong commitment to professional growth. A recognized thought leader, she actively contributes to nursing scholarship through publications and presentations on key topics, including inclusive excellence and cultural competence. Her engagement on various boards and committees reflects her dedication to addressing community and workforce challenges. Dr. Friday's numerous accolades, including the distinguished Josephine Dolan Award and the National League for Nursing Hearst Foundations Award, highlight her unwavering passion for advancing nursing education and her commitment to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Time: 11:00 am- 11:45 am
Title: Itinerary Insights: Unlocking the Potential of a Professional Association Conference as an Open Education Librarian
Description:
This presentation will share my experience and strategies as an open education librarian, aiming to inspire fellow librarians to engage with discipline-specific conferences and professional associations. Attending the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) Annual Conference provided a unique opportunity to promote open educational resources (OER) within the rapidly evolving fashion and textiles industry. My institution's Apparel Merchandising and Product Development program is on the verge of achieving a “Zero Textbook Cost” model, and my dual objectives at the conference were to showcase our distinctive offerings while cultivating partnerships with potential collaborators to address any remaining resource gaps. Through my case study of the ITAA conference, I will illustrate how strategic collaborations can significantly advance OER adoption across various academic disciplines. By highlighting our progress towards a zero-cost model and engaging with industry professionals, I identified key collaboration opportunities that benefit our program and contribute to the broader goal of enhancing educational accessibility in the textile and apparel sector. This approach can serve as a blueprint for other librarians seeking to leverage conferences as platforms for promoting OER.
Learning Outcomes:
Audience will learn to
- Identify a discipline or program that is ripe for this type of collaboration
- Develop your conference objectives
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop your plan
Presenter(s): Christine Rickabaugh
Christine Rickabaugh is an Open Education Librarian at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, where she leads efforts to advance OER initiatives and lower student costs. With a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Adult and Lifelong Learning. Christine's professional experience spans public libraries, academic institutions, and K-12 education. Her research focuses on OER implementation, evaluation, and student success. She has presented at various conferences on topics such as using OER in online courses and improving learning through open resources. Christine is actively involved in professional development and service within the library and academic community.
Time: 12:00 Noon - 1:20 pm
Keynote: Abbey K. Elder
Title: There’s no Blueprint? Recognizing Paths Forward to Support Open Education
In this engaging keynote presentation, our speaker will explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of open education and Open Educational Resources (OER). Drawing from her own experiences, she will share insights and practical guidance on fostering collaboration, overcoming challenges, and creating sustainable practices in open education. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on open practices and envisioning new blueprints for collaboration to enhance educational access and affordability. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and equipped to support open education initiatives at your own institution and/or at the state level.
Time: 2:00 pm- 2:45 pm
Title: OER Champions
Description:
At our two-year community college, a partnership among instructors, deans, and librarians led to an innovative OER Champion model that's reshaping how we think about open education. We are building an interdisciplinary community of practice around open education resources, resulting not only in cost savings to students but also in more engaged pedagogy across disciplines. In this session, we'll share our journey of creating Z-degree pathways, engaging faculty through targeted internal marketing, and developing streamlined OER adoption processes. We'll explore both our successes – bolstered by crucial institutional and legislative support – and the challenges we've faced. By sharing our tested resources, strategies, and lessons learned, we hope to empower other institutions to cultivate their own next generation of open education leaders while avoiding common pitfalls in the process. Join us to discover how your institution can harness the enthusiasm of early OER adopters to catalyze widespread adoption across programs, creating lasting change in educational accessibility and affordability.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the Role of OER Champions: Appreciate the diversity of our OER champions model in promoting open education resources. Recognize the unique contributions of librarians, academic deans, and instructors in fostering OER adoption. 2. Navigate Challenges and Celebrate Wins: Presenters will candidly discuss common challenges faced by OER champions, such as faculty buy-in, resource curation/hosting, course marking, and sustainability. Attendees will leave with practical tips for overcoming obstacles and celebrating victories in their own OER advocacy work. 3. Create Dynamic Collaborative Communities: Explore how the OER Champions Learning Community fosters collaboration across disciplines and roles. Discover ways to engage faculty, librarians, and administrators in collaborative efforts to advance OER adoption. 4. Empower Stakeholders at their Institutions to Become OER Advocates: Inspire attendees to become OER advocates within their institutions. Leave with actionable steps to champion OER adoption, whether through faculty workshops, policy advocacy, or community-building initiatives.
Presenter(s): Liza Long
Liza Long is an Associate Professor of English at the College of Western Idaho and serves as one of two AI Fellows and the state General Education Open Education representative for the Idaho State Board of Education. She is the author or co-author of Write What Matters, Critical Worlds: A Targeted Approach to Literary Analysis (co-written with ChatGPT 3.5), and Cyborgs and Centaurs: Academic Writing in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Liza holds an M.A. in Classics (UCLA), an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership (Argosy), and is currently a Ph.D. student in English at Idaho State University where her research focuses on teaching first-year composition with generative AI.
Time: 2:00 pm- 2:45 pm
Title: Bridging the Divide: An Example of Strong Interdepartmental Collaboration for Student Success
Description:
Enacting change within a higher education setting frequently poses significant challenges. Balancing the imperative of inclusive participation with the nuanced requirements of individual departments often presents obstacles for transformative initiatives such as OER. In this presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to hear insights from an OER librarian and a bookstore manager who spearheaded change at a 2-year technical college. Originating from a shared aspiration to mitigate the financial burden of textbooks and course materials, this initiative evolved into a collaborative endeavor. A pivotal component was the establishment of a Textbook Affordability Committee, which systematically evaluated conventional service provisions and remains engaged in ongoing enhancements reflective of evolving faculty and student needs.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the challenges of implementing collaborative OER initiatives in higher education, including navigating departmental interests and fostering inclusivity.
Develop actionable plans and advocacy skills to initiate similar partnerships within their own institutions.
Presenter(s):
Rachel is currently a librarian at Madison Area Technical College working with Open Educational Resources, instruction, technology, and copyright issues. Additionally, she advocates for textbook affordability, affordable education, and equitable access. Rachel is also and EdD candidate at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, focusing on textbook affordability through the use of OER. In her limited free time she enjoys spending time with her cats, hiking, and watching horror movies.
Time: 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Title: Open: A Future for Education
Description:
While many educators are initially drawn to OER with the goal of saving students money, it is imperative that we advance the discussion beyond that initial entry point in order to examine opportunities for OER and open educational practices to transform pedagogy, curriculum, and student learning and success–as many scholars have. In particular, OER and OER-enabled education provide avenues to enhance equity and access to information; transparency, flexibility, collaboration, and agency in education; and a pathway for life-long learning. In the session, we will project these opportunities against a backdrop of what the future of education may look like (based on current trends in and outside of education): a more social, democratic, learner-centered approach that is tailored and increasingly non-linear. While addressing some of the challenges of open education, we will nevertheless propose how OER and open pedagogical practices are uniquely oriented to meet the emerging demands of education while shaping a more equitable and responsive future.
Learning Outcomes:
Attendees will
- analyze OER as a pedagogical tool
- evaluate potential benefits of open pedagogy/education
- synthesize how OER/open pedagogy can apply to a future for education
- identify challenges to open education, as well as possible solutions/opportunities for these challenges.
Presenter(s): Benjamin Aloe
Benjamin Aloe, MA, MLS, Library Faculty at Truckee Meadows Community College As an instruction and OER librarian at TMCC, Ben focuses on pedagogy, information literacy, and student success. He serves as a facilitator for faculty interested in implementing OER and/or open pedagogical practices in their curriculum.
Time: 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Title: Blueprint for OER Professional Development: How Five Colleges Developed an OER Academy Through Courage and Collaboration
Description:
How can faculty, professional development leaders, instructional design leads, and OER advocates create an innovative OER professional development series? This presentation will describe how five colleges collaborated to develop the Alamo Colleges OER Academy, which recently supported over 80 faculty from multiple disciplines in learning the best practices for adopting, adapting, and developing OER. The presenters will share how funding from an Open Textbooks Pilot Grant contributed to the development of an OER strategic design that includes OER workshops, instructional design support, and a framework to develop OER courses and open textbooks. Attendees will learn how persistence, collaboration, and courage have played a role in supporting a community of OER educators. The session will provide participants with recommendations to support similar programs at their institutions.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
● Describe key components of an innovative OER professional development series
● Summarize key concepts to support faculty in adopting, adapting, and developing OER
● Explain how to overcome barriers when creating an OER professional development series
Presenter(s): Dr. Bobbie Myatt
Dr. Bobbie Myatt is an experienced Faculty Development Program Lead with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry, an adjunct professor, TXDLA Certified ADA Specialist, QM Master Reviewer, and online facilitator. She is skilled in nonprofit organizations, digital accessibility, STEM, event management, educational technology, and team building. Dr. Myatt has obtained an MA in Communication Studies and an EdD focused in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.