OEPSIG Webinar #2: The use of Pressbooks to facilitate the adaptation and development of Open Textbooks

Kate Nixon, and Katya Henry, Queensland University of Technology

Abstract: After a successful proof of concept to expand the university’s commitment to Open Educational Resources (OER), QUT launched a pilot program in 2020 to facilitate the adaptation and development of Open Textbooks. In this presentation we will discuss how we used Pressbooks as a mechanism to raise awareness of Open Educational Resources, and to provide a university-supported tool with which to develop Open Textbooks. We will also share the results of the pilot, as well as feedback from participating staff and students. Finally, we will talk about the university’s next steps in our commitment to OER.

Kate Nixon is the Learning Technologies Adoption Lead in the Learning and Teaching Unit at Queensland University of Technology. Kate is enthusiastic about using technology to solve learning and teaching problems. She leads the Learning Innovation Pilot program at QUT to develop evidence to support learning and teaching innovation adoption. She has a keen interest in exploring cutting edge technologies to enhance student outcomes and has developed the QUT extended reality and community of practice. She is also passionate about equitable access to learning for all students.

Katya Henry is the University Copyright Officer at QUT and the Creative Commons Global Network Representative for the Australia Chapter. She is a passionate advocate for open access and open education, and is deeply committed to the role librarians play in enabling access to information.