Colter Davis GEO 1010 Introduction to Geology

Online Textbook: An Introduction to Geology 
Written by: Chris Johnson, Matthew D. Affolter, Paul Inkenbrandt, Cam Mosher

Students saved approximately $100 by using this OER course material versus the previously used online textbook. 

Curricular changes:

I had to change how assignments and exams were administered to the students. Before using OER materials, students would use the "built-in" assignments and exams that could be accessed through the online portal of the publisher, which was often quite glitchy. Now, all assignments and exams are administered through Canvas with a lot fewer glitches. Chapter materials were also accessible through the publisher online portal. The OER chapter materials are now accessible via links within Canvas. 

Teaching and learning impacts:

Prior to adopting OER course materials, students would express frustrations with the publisher online portal. Often times, glitches would occur during assignments or exams and this had negative effects on students. Students are familiar with Canvas and having the assignments and exams accessible through Canvas has eased some of their anxiety. Students appear to do better in this course after adopting OER course materials and I am much happier teaching the course knowing that the students are happier. 

OER Adoption Process: 

I teach the GEO 1010 course online and as a concurrent enrollment course in person. I remember being a university student and always worrying about how to come up with the money for textbooks. Several times I could not afford the textbook for a given course due to their high prices and I do not want to put my students in that situation. The course materials covered in the expensive textbooks are identical to those covered in the OER textbooks, so I decided to use OER materials to ease the stress of purchasing expensive textbooks. 

Student feedback about using OER:

Students appreciate the significantly reduced costs associated with taking this course. They like being able to complete their assignments and exams from the comfort of Canvas. 

Instructor name:

Colter Davis 

Colter Davis is an adjunct instructor of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department of Utah Tech University. He earned his Masters from Utah State University. He teaches online and in-person undergraduate/concurrent enrollment geology courses.