Deadline Approaches for Course Materials Conversion Program Applications

Graphic Design by Ariel Romero

The University Libraries' and Global Campus' course materials conversion program pre-application consultations are underway, and slots are still available. All consultations must be scheduled prior to Friday, Oct. 26, and final applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 31. The goal of the program is to reduce the cost of textbooks for U of A students by converting teaching materials into Open Educational Resources (OER). 

Faculty who adopt OER by incorporating previously published, openly licensed materials into their classes, thereby eliminating the need for students to purchase textbooks or other course materials, will receive $3,000.

Faculty who adapt OER by significantly altering them to update the material or to fit the needs of the course will receive $4,500. 

Faculty who create course materials and choose to license them openly under Creative Commons will receive $7,500. At least 75 percent of the course content must be original, with the remaining 25 percent or less being adopted existing OER.

"The pre-application consultations offer us a chance to talk to the teaching faculty about their ideas for using OER in their courses," said Elaine Thornton, open education and distance learning librarian. "The brief meetings allow them the opportunity to ask questions and gain some clarity on what kinds of resources are permissible for use as OER. Awareness and use of OER at the University of Arkansas is increasing. We are encouraged by the interest shown at the luncheon series and by the number of consultations that have been scheduled." 

The Open Educational Resources Team partnered with the Teaching and Faculty Support Center to present at four faculty luncheons during the month of September. Over 180 members of the teaching faculty attended. For those who were unable to attend, an article with the information presented is available on the Teaching Innovation and Pedagogical Support website.