Next Generation Learning: Free Textbook and Classroom Resources

Next Generation Learning: Free Textbook and Classroom Resources

Dr. Howard Carlson, Wickenburg Unified School District (WUSD) superintendent, asked presentation attendees to look ahead 10-15 years, enabling school districts to save money by utilizing Open Educational Resources (OER) and Flexbooks to enhance student learning.

According to Dr. Carlson, many Arizona districts haven’t been able to purchase new text books for years. Instituting OER and Flexbooks, he claimed educators will enhance teacher-student engagement.

“This is next generation learning,” said Dr. Carlson. “I applaud the fact that you’re here because you show you are interested in that future.”  

According to the superintendent, WUSD has benefited greatly from using CK-12 “open licensed” textbooks. Boasting, Dr. Carlson explained the course materials he held in the air only cost $4.79 to print, whereas traditional textbooks would cost nearly $100 to purchase.

“Or if they [the students] pull it up on their iPad, it costs nothing,” he explained.

Furthering his argument, Board Certified Science Teaching for WUSD, Jennifer Appleby, said this new form of text books is empowering.

“We are able to take the work we’ve been doing, analyzing the standards and gaps, and build something that’s living and workable,” Ms. Appleby said. “Marking pages is no longer vandalizing, but true learning.”

John Douthat, WUSD math Teacher, spoke to the practicality of the textbooks.

“People think math doesn’t change, but it does. The emphasis changes,” Mr. Douthat said. “Technology changes what you teach in math.”

The educator explained individuals can use summer vacation to reformat textbooks with tactics and problems that really work.

Lastly, Rose Garcia, director of Wickenburg Digital Learning Program and Wickenburg Virtual Academy, said, “We’re not revising it [the textbook], we’re ripping it apart.”

Speaking to the reality of the millennial generation, providing students with the materials they need is imperative.

Not only does this new-age textbook model enable student learning, but also enables educators to share resources worldwide.  

“We are not telling you to throw out all textbooks and start again. Instead, keep doing what you’re doing well and integrate new material for the millennial generation,” Ms. Garcia explained.   

ASPRA Reporter Shannon Maule, Grand Canyon University