The affordability of textbooks and other learning materials can represent a barrier to learning. According to the recently published 2022 AMS Academic Experience Survey, the average amount UBC undergraduate students spent annually on textbooks this past academic year increased from $893 (2021) to $1,253. The survey also found that 70% of undergraduates did not buy textbooks because of the cost. The use of open educational resources (OER) is a strategy for providing affordable access to course materials, as online versions are free to students and instructors and OER can be circulated among an unlimited number of students. Additionally, can be modified or edited to fit teaching methods, curriculum, and learning goals.
The UBCV OER Fund was created in 2019 specifically due to student advocacy for UBC to address the affordability of course materials. The OER Fund Implementation Grants application deadline has been extended to Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 3pm. The grants provide up to $25,000 in funding for UBCV faculty who wish to incorporate open educational resources as required learning materials into their UBCV credit courses.
Thinking of applying for an OER Fund Grant? Attend an upcoming OER Fund online proposal consultation session. For more information and to apply, visit: https://oerfund.open.ubc.ca/.
Increased Support for Making OER Accessible
In order to help ensure that OER developed with support from the OER Fund are open, accessible, and equitable for all users, the UBC Centre for Accessibility and the OER Fund will be partnering on a support pilot during the upcoming year. This pilot will provide OER Fund grant holders with accessibility project support and it will also help to develop additional capacity and resources for the creation of accessible open learning materials at UBC. To learn more, please visit: visit: https://oerfund.open.ubc.ca/.
