Released on June 29, 2016
The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $250,000 to the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to support development of open educational resources for students. These post-secondary institutions are currently developing nine made-in-Saskatchewan open textbooks or course packs.“This is a great, common-sense approach that makes post-secondary education more affordable for students up front,” Advanced Education Minister Scott Moe said. “This opportunity is just one more example of innovative thinking that directly benefits students.”
Open educational resources are teaching and learning materials that are freely available online to everyone, whether you are an instructor, student or self-learner. There are no costs to access these resources. Students who are taking classes where these resources are available will not have to purchase any course materials or textbooks.
One example is an engineering economics textbook being created by the University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering. It will replace the commercial textbook sold for $202 at the U of S bookstore. It is expected to be complete by fall, 2017.
This resource will benefit approximately 340 students per course; saving students almost $70,000 in textbook costs for one class alone. The grants provided by government are the result of a 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Premier Brad Wall, former Alberta Premier Alison Redford and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark.
“We are proud of the high caliber education that our institutions here in Saskatchewan offer,” Moe said. “Initiatives like open resources show how much of an impact we can make by thinking differently and building collaborative partnerships with our institutions and with other provinces.”
This MOU also allows for the sharing of open resources developed by each province.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Marieka Andrew
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: marieka.andrew@gov.sk.ca