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Reducing or eliminating material costs for English 110<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Aaren Pastor, a passionate post-doctoral researcher in the Department of English at the University of Delaware, is on a mission to make education more accessible and engaging for students. Through her work in English 110, a required course for all University of Delaware students, Pastor has successfully eliminated material costs for students, demonstrating that high-quality education doesn\u2019t have to come with a hefty price tag.<\/span><\/p>\n Pastor\u2019s journey into open educational resources began with a simple but powerful goal: to explore ways to reduce or eliminate material costs for English 110. Drawing inspiration from the open-access work of writing and composition scholars, Pastor questioned whether the same accessibility could be extended to undergraduate writing seminars. The result was a dynamic and innovative approach to course design that redefined the role of textbooks and class materials.<\/span><\/p>\n The transition to open resources was a collaborative effort. \u201cMy research librarian liaison, Yalonda Green, was amazing,\u201d Pastor said. Green\u2019s expertise provided a wealth of resources, encouraging Pastor to rethink traditional textbook formats. Collaborating with Green also led to a workshop that helped students engage with key rhetorical concepts such as invention, style and memory.<\/span><\/p>\n Additional support came from a network of dedicated professionals, including Meg Grotti, Rachel Lapp, instructional designer from Academic Technology Services\u00a0 and Rose Muravchick of the Center of Teaching and Assessment of Learning, who ensured that the transition to a fully accessible course on Canvas was seamless. Their collective effort made reimagining English 110 not only feasible but also remarkably efficient.<\/span><\/p>\n Pastor\u2019s work has had a profound impact on students. By eliminating textbook costs, sheremoved a significant financial burden, enabling students to focus entirely on their learning. The innovative and engaging \u201ctextbook\u201d used in the course sparked conversations among students about what textbooks can and should be. \u201cCould they be fun and engaging instead of dull and repetitive? Could they contain writing from actual students?\u201d Pastor said.<\/span><\/p>\n For faculty considering adopting open educational resources, Pastor\u2019s advice is clear: \u201cThe team facilitating and providing resources for this grant is stellar. You\u2019re not left to find resources on your own.\u201d Pastor emphasized the importance of open resources in general education courses, where reducing costs can significantly lower barriers to participation.<\/span><\/p>\n Through their dedication and collaboration, Pastor exemplifies how open resources can not only reduce costs but also transform the educational experience, making learning more accessible, engaging and equitable for all students.<\/span><\/p>\nReimagining writing education<\/b><\/h3>\n
Collaboration and support<\/b><\/h3>\n
Impact on students<\/b><\/h3>\n
Encouraging fellow faculty<\/b><\/h3>\n