The recently released zero-cost eText, Methods of Calculus , authored by mathematics faculty Papiya Bhattacharjee, Ph.D., was chosen for the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Innovation Award . This award from the USDLA is given to an organization, an individual, or projects that exhibit innovative approaches to the delivery of distance learning. The Methods of Calculus eText is a free open educational resource (OER) that was developed in partnership with FAU's Center for Online and Continuing Education (COCE) .
The COCE facilitated the partnership for this project with Bhattacharjee, and assisted in development of over 50 videos to enhance the eText. A so-called Lightboard was used for filming of the videos.
Abigail Perkins, Ph.D., from the Center for Online and Continuing Education, submitted the eText for the USDLA award consideration. Perkins, who served as the Curriculum Specialist on the project, shares the impact of the free Methods of Calculus eText has collectively saved students at FAU over $300,000 over a period of two semesters; including summer, this amounts to over $400,000. With nearly 1,000 students enrolled in the MAC 2233 course each fall and spring term, which now utilizes the free eText, students are saving more than $200 each by not having to purchase the previously required traditional textbook for this course. Eight other FAU instructors have adopted Dr. Bhattacharjee’s eText.
Executive Director for the COCE, Julie Golden Botti, Ph.D., states, "It is wonderful to have award recognition for this work. Equally wonderful is the opportunity for this project to contribute to FAU student success and access to higher education by lowering the cost of textbooks." The award will be presented in Nashville at the 2020 USDLA Conference in May. Learn more about the eText and how affordability counts at FAU.
