The Open for Student Success Symposium

9:30-10AM

"Welcome and Introduction"
Librarians Charlene Martoni and Jason Puckett, Georgia State University

The Open for Student Success Symposium celebrates its second annual gathering with the support of the OpenStax Institutional Partnership. Georgia State University was selected to participate in the partnership for a second consecutive term, represented by librarians Charlene Martoni and Jason Puckett. OpenStax is a leading publisher of openly-licensed, peer-reviewed textbooks.  As members of the Research & Engagement Team at Georgia State University Library, Charlene Martoni and Jason Puckett support affordable and open education by guiding faculty and students through the landscape of open and library-licensed resources.

Presentation Slides (©2024 Charlene Martoni CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0)

10-10:50AM: Keynote Address

"Spotlight on Authorship"
Associate Dean and Scholarly Communications & Copyright Librarian Laura Burtle, Georgia State University copyright/licensing

What does copyright have to do with educational affordability? To make content available to students, it helps to understand copyright basics, know how to maintain some rights to work when interacting with publishers, and open access. Using Creative Commons licenses and institutional and scholarly repositories are strategies you can use to make the content you create available for student use. Laura Burtle is an Associate Dean and Scholarly Communications and Copyright Librarian at the Georgia State University Library. She helps students and faculty navigate publication agreements and copyright questions. 

Presentation Slides (©2024 Laura Burtle CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0)

"Spotlight on Course Transformations"
Cyntoria Johnson, Faculty Associate in the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education (CETLOE), Georgia State University open pedagogy

Are you looking to join the open access movement?  Cyntoria Johnson spotlights one department’s journey starting with only a few faculty members adopting no-cost pedagogy to a department-wide transformation into a cost-free undergraduate degree pathway.  The CJC department’s unique affordable learning project serves as an inspirational model for other units looking to reshape the student learning experience.  Johnson will also provide a brief overview of the ways in which CETLOE can assist faculty with course transformations. Cyntoria Johnson, J.D. is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. She also serves as a faculty associate in the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education focusing on large enrollment instruction and affordable learning. 

10:50-11:00AM
Q&A with Laura Burtle and Cyntoria Johnson

11AM-12PM: ROUND ONE

“Teaching with OER: Challenges and Opportunities!” successes/challenges 
John Mack, Georgia State University

This session will discuss the presenter's experience in creating courses using e-books that are available for students through the Georgia State University Library. Insights from successes and failures to help other faculty develop their own OER courses will be shared. Dr. John Mack is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a master’s degree in Russian history and a PhD in American history. He has been teaching as an online lecturer in history at Georgia State University-Perimeter College since 2010. 

“Success in Open Educational Resource Advocacy: Strategies and Resources for Creators” research
Chelsee Dickson, Kennesaw State University

It’s not easy to bring an OER into existence, but after all that work, creators are sometimes dismayed to find that their OER doesn’t gain traction with its intended audience. The library sits at the intersection between creators, OER, advocacy, and outreach. The presenters of this lightning talk are three librarians with OER expertise; they were awarded an Affordable Learning Georgia Round 24 Research Grant in fall of 2023 to conduct research on OER sustainability and advocacy. This lightning talk will discuss the progress they've made towards conducting their research study as well as the current state of OER advocacy and sustainability. Chelsee Dickson is the scholarly communications librarian and team lead of the Research & Scholarship Team at Kennesaw State University. She works with faculty to support open educational practices like open pedagogy and OER. Chelsee is also a proponent of open access and scholarly publishing, as well as copyright education. Co-presenters: Sabrina Davis & Kristina Clement.

Presentation Slides (©2024 Chelsee Dickson, et al. CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0)

"Challenges of Using OERs in Hybrid Introductory Physics Courses” successes/challenges
Dereth Drake-Sheuermann, Valdosta State University

OERs for physics have been around for quite a while now. However, implementing them with students in hybrid style courses can be a challenge. This session will discuss various OERs used in an algebra-based introductory physics course at Valdosta State University, as well as their effectiveness for online and face-to-face groups. Dr. Dereth Drake-Scheuermann has served as a professor in the physics and astronomy program at Valdosta State University for over 11 years. Prior to that, she worked as a researcher at the University of Iowa in the space physics group.

12-1PM: ROUND TWO

“From Financial Strain to Academic Gain: Navigating Textbook Affordability” student voices
Jada Hollingsworth, Georgia State University

Textbook affordability has been one of the most strenuous and eye-opening aspects of this presenter's student experience. Paying for a class and additionally paying for course materials inspired the student to speak about the educational affordability of college textbooks, the need for intervention, and benefits of more programs and advocacy for low-cost textbooks in the age of "technological takeover." Jada Hollingsworth is a senior at Georgia State University who has a research background in neuroscience and developmental psychology. Jada works as team leader for AmeriCorps Jumpstart and has interned with underserved youth for two years. She's passionate about education equality and intervention for students from underserved communities and aims to become a school psychologist.

Presentation Slides (©2024 Jada Hollingsworth CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0)

“Research Results and Challenges from a Study on Social Psychology OER Textbook Adoption” research
Sally Merritt, Georgia Southwestern State University

In 2023, an Affordable Leaning Georgia Grant was awarded to transform a social psychology course from using a paid textbook to using an OER textbook. Data was collected on students’ grades, preferences, and opinions prior to and following OER adoption. Results from this data set will be shared along with discussion of the pros and cons of OER adoption. The OER textbook that was selected is being “unpublished” by the library system, so the talk will conclude with some potential solutions to this particular challenge to OER adoption. Dr. Sally Merritt is a social psychologist who is in her third year of teaching at Georgia Southwestern State University. She completed her undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston and her PhD in psychology at Tulane University. Her research area of interest is on representation in STEM and college teaching pedagogy. 

Presentation Slides (©2024 Sally Merritt CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

“No-cost and Low-cost Redesign for Two Graduate Level Qualitative Methodology Courses” open pedagogy
Donna Ziegenfuss, University of Utah

Beginning in 2022, two graduate-level qualitative methods courses were redesigned to include an open pedagogy approach using OERs and free-to-use library resources through Leganto and the presenter's learning management system. Not only are qualitative research books expensive, but students at this point in their program do not know what books might be best for their proposed research studies. This approach provides an opportunity for students to review texts now and make decisions later about what books might be best for purchasing as they move through their academic careers. This session will demo the flipped course design, demonstrate using Leganto for including affordable materials in a course, and show student engagement options. Next steps for future improvements will also be presented. Donna Harp Ziegenfuss, EdD, is a librarian in the J Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah. She has over 12 years of experience working in academic libraries. Prior to her librarianship, she achieved an EdD in Academic Leadership Higher Education Curriculum, gaining 18 years of experience in instructional design and teaching in traditional, hybrid, and online formats. 

Presentation Slides (©2024 Donna Ziegenfuss CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

“Resources for Project-Based Learning” successes/challenges
Jason Guthrie, Clayton State University

In 2022-2023, this professor led a grant team to create open educational resources for his program, funded by Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG). In collaboration with his campus library, the presenter created an online guide with resources for implementing media projects such as infographics, photo essays, podcasts, and more into the classroom. This session will present the guide to participants and discuss how they aimed to cut student costs and tailor course materials to better reach learning outcomes. Jason Lee Guthrie is a media historian interested in the intersections of economics and creativity. Jason teaches media production at Clayton State University and is passionate about the potential that project-based learning holds for student success.

“Creating Clinically-oriented and Case-based OER Materials for the Instruction of Veterinary Clinical Pathology” successes/challenges
Bridget Garner, University of Georgia

Open educational resources are scarce in veterinary medicine, particularly in the realm of veterinary pathology. Meanwhile, the financial strain on veterinarians, exacerbated by substantial educational loans, has underscored the need for cost-effective learning materials. In response, a collaborative team of clinical pathologists at the University of Georgia created a collection of clinically-oriented and case-based OER materials tailored for veterinary clinical pathology. This brief session will highlight the methodology employed, the collaborative process, and the valuable insights gained from the process. Dr. Bridget Garner is an associate professor and board-certified veterinary clinical pathologist at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She routinely provides diagnostic services to patients of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and she teaches veterinary students, graduate students, and residents seeking additional training beyond veterinary school.

“Ethically and Effectively Navigating the Intersection of Copyright Law, Creative Commons, and OER” copyright/licensing
Sheryne Southard, Clayton State University

This presentation examines the interconnectedness of copyright law, Creative Commons, and OER. Viewers will receive an overview of the interplay between these three realms of law, creativity, and education. Practical insight and actionable advice will be provided for using and sharing OER. This guidance will enable the viewers to utilize these resources confidently and competently. Sheryne Southard, J.D. is a professor of legal studies and a coordinator for online programs. She has received two of the Georgia Board of Regent’s most prestigious honors: the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and Teaching Excellence in Online Learning awards. She has practiced law as a litigator, earned a Creative Commons Certification, co-authored a book, and published various journal articles. She has received ALG grants and serves as an ALG faculty champion.

“Promoting Lifetime Wellness with Open Pedagogy” successes/challenges
Erick Richman, Columbus State University

This session will provide a brief overview of the goals, scope, and outcome of the Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Lifetime Wellness project, which was performed under an Affordable Learning Georgia grant. This project resulted in the development of a new OER text and associated course. Topics briefly covered will include the process of identifying the need for an OER course, developing the proposal for the Affordable Learning Georgia grant, gathering support and insight from subject matter experts, adding to and expanding existing OER to create the course materials, and designing the course associated with the text. The course's focus on connecting students to practical, shareable, public tools for health and well-being will be highlighted. Clips from student assistants and institutional support personnel will be included, and the video will close with suggestions for those looking to access and engage with OER in their classrooms. Erick Richman serves as the physical activity and wellness program coordinator for Columbus State University. In 2021, he held over 70 hours of interviews with faculty, staff, and students under an Affordable Learning Georgia grant to inform the development of an OER text titled Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Lifetime Wellness for use in Columbus State's new lifetime wellness course. The resulting course has been delivered to over 2000 students since the completion of the project with consistent praise for the accessibility, usefulness, and clarity of the information and learning activities. Due to this positive student reception, along with cost-savings and benefits to student success, he was awarded the university's Excellence in Online Education award in 2022.

“Realizing You Can't Do It All: Setting Boundaries and Establishing Priorities as a New OER Librarian” successes/challenges
Ginelle Baskin, Middle Tennessee State University

In this lightning talk, the presenter will share her experiences as a newly appointed open educational resources (OER) librarian and explore the common challenge of "trying to do it all." Acknowledging the reality of finite resources and time constraints, this talk will emphasize lessons learned, such as the need for setting boundaries and establishing program priorities. It will offer actionable insights tailored to the challenges faced by those new to the OER landscape. Ginelle Baskin is a student success & open education librarian at Middle Tennessee State University. She leads Walker Library’s student success initiatives, including the development and oversight of the campus' open educational resources program. She earned her MS in information sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Presentation Slides (©2024 Ginelle Baskin CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

1-2PM

“Is There a Social Problem with the Cost of College Textbooks?  Answers in Student Voices and Through the Lens of Sociology” student voices
Hosanna Fletcher, Georgia State University 

We hear about inequity when it comes to education and educational outcomes. We hear about the rising costs of college tuition. Is there a social problem of educational inequality when it comes to the cost of textbooks? A panel of students from a Perimeter College SOCI 1160 class on social problems explores this issue. Hosanna Fletcher has been teaching sociology for 13 years at Perimeter College, at first in a part-time role and now a full-time role. She uses high-impact practices (HIPs), specifically service and community-based learning and collaborative projects, in her classroom to engage students. She also serves as a faculty associate with CETLOE on the Teach Team focusing on HIPs. 

Presentation Slides (©2024 Hosanna Fletcher, et al. CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

2-3PM

“Using a Humanities Approach Toward the Creation of OER Texts” adaptation/authorship
Joshua Dickinson, Jefferson Community College

Faculty often have excellent, well-tested handouts, assignments, and lecture materials, but do not consider how they might combine those effectively in creating OER materials. This session overviews how easy it is to adapt one's existing work to create affordable, high-quality educational materials that reflect a coherent teaching perspective. Joshua Dickinson is an Associate Professor of English at SUNY Jefferson, a community college in Watertown, NY. He has created more than a dozen OER texts in composition, literature, and education, and has trained other faculty in OER creation techniques. 

Presentation Slides (©2024 Joshua Dickinson CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

3-4PM

“Empowering Mathematical Minds: Unveiling MATHGPT.AI as the Future of Open Educational Resources” artificial intelligence
Adrienne Baldwin, Chattahoochee Technical College

Explore the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and mathematics education with this session on MATHGPT.AI, the revolutionary open educational resource AI platform. Discover how MATHGPT.AI is transforming the way educators teach and students learn mathematics, offering personalized learning experiences and unparalleled access to a wealth of resources. Learn about its innovative features, how it supports diverse learning styles, and its potential to democratize education by making high-quality math instruction accessible to all. Join the presenters to see how MATHGPT.AI is shaping the future of educational technology and fostering a global community of empowered learners. Adrienne Baldwin, an educator with over 15 years of experience, is a mathematics instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College and the 2023 TCSG recipient of the State Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. She has significantly impacted mathematics education by pioneering the adoption of OER, enhancing teaching methodologies, and improving student outcomes, while also playing a key role in shaping educational policies and programs through various leadership positions. Co-presenter: Edsel Clark, Ed.D. 

4-4:30PM

Concluding Discussion Facilitated by Education Librarian Denise George, Georgia State University

Denise George is the Outreach Librarian for the College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University. She has been an advocate for open and affordable initiatives throughout her career. Her work includes providing training related to creative commons, copyright, open pedagogy, and affordable content alternatives. She currently serves as the Affordable Learning Georgia Library Champion.