NCTC Receives Open Educational Resources (OER) Grant

North Central Texas College (NCTC) has received a $14,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to make education more affordable for students. The grant will be used to develop and implement Open Educational Resources (OER) in five classes: Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, World Literature I, Learning Frameworks, Introduction to Ethics, and Music Appreciation.

College textbook prices have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of textbooks increased by a whopping 88% between 2006 and 2016. This makes it difficult for many students to afford all the required textbooks for their courses. Skipping textbook purchases can put students at a disadvantage, which is why it's important to find affordable alternatives.

NCTC recognizes the importance of supporting student success and removing barriers that hinder academic and career goals. One major barrier is the cost of textbooks. To address this issue, NCTC is exploring different approaches, including the use of open educational resources (OER) and low-cost materials.

Over the next two years, a dedicated team consisting of Sherry Smith, Kristen Weinzapfel, Michele Forbis, Jack O'Connor, and Dax Stokes, along with grant co-directors Jared Ince and Tamar Bell, will collaborate to develop, launch, pilot, and integrate free educational resources into their courses. These resources will not only benefit their own students but will also be available to other faculty members in their divisions. By providing innovative materials and instruction at a lower cost, NCTC aims to make learning more accessible and affordable for all students.

This grant project is projected to serve more than 950 students, saving them more than $288,000 in textbook costs in the first two years of implementation.