The Center for Online and Continuing Education partners with faculty to create zero-cost eTexts as Open Educational Resources for distance learning courses. Multi-media resources offered through COCE add interest and interactivity to eText delivery. An example of this achievement is the innovative, effective, and impactful Methods of Calculus eText, adapted by Dr. Papiya Bhattacharjee of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The COCE team partnered with Dr. Papiya Bhattacharjee to create an innovative yet realistic way to support student success, educational affordability, and faculty adoption of no cost eTexts as sustainable, high-impact resources. The eText specifically aligns to the curriculum of the high-enrollment MAC2233 Methods of Calculus for Life Science course while harnessing evidence-based 21st century pedagogy. Since Fall 2019, a total of 1,869 FAU students have saved $390,602.31, collectively. Cost to students for this eText is now zero compared to the previously required textbook costing over $200. This cost-savings to students is, in part, due to the 10 FAU MAC2233 instructors all having adopted the eText.
United States Distance Learning Association 2020 Innovation Award
The Center for Online and Continuing Education (COCE) are the proud winners of the United States Distance Learning Association 2020 Innovation Award for the collaborative production of a zero-cost, high-quality, interactive eText, Methods of Calculus.
This project makes education more cognitively accessible to students by offering learners instruction through innovative pedagogies, such as content delivered through multiple modes of instruction. Simulations and short Lightboard videos offer learners cognitive variation for engaging with domain content. The Lightboard used was that from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Mathematical simulations have been strategically incorporated to aid students in exploring conceptual connections with the element of agency and ownership in these active learning tools. Over 50 short Lightboard videos offer learners instruction in easily digestible chunks while promoting self-regulation for individual retrieval and review. Visit the Center for Online and Continuing Education to learn more about how we may help you bring innovation into your online learning experience!