Library of open source college textbooks created

[6charlong]

Teleread recently published a blog post about the creation of an Open Source library of lower division college textbooks.

California is the leader again, innovating a means for college students to hold down some college costs. Important to note that due to the nature of the licensing the textbooks will be available for anyone to use. A provision is put on these licenses so that print versions of the books must be available for no more than $20.

http://www.teleread.com/

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2...rce-textbooks/

https://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/34288

[ebusinesstutor]

I am a real fan of the idea. If these open textbooks can be developed collaboratively from professors/teachers all over the world and if they see widespread adoption, it could really lower the cost of education for many people.

And what a boon for countries who are struggling to improve their educational system.

[Nexutix]

(Sometimes) What I do actually, is:

Look all topics in syllabus on Wikipedia. Add them to book. (Wikipedia feature). Makes auto-chapters. Read on ereader!!!

[RainingLemur]

Originally Posted by ebusinesstutor

I am a real fan of the idea. If these open textbooks can be developed collaboratively from professors/teachers all over the world and if they see widespread adoption, it could really lower the cost of education for many people.

And what a boon for countries who are struggling to improve their educational system.

Agreed. This is really something I'm a fan of.

[fjtorres]

I'm surprised the lobbyists for Big Publishing let it go this far.
There's a big chunk of their revenue coming from those over-priced textbooks.
On the other hand, it very neatly solves their "used textbook problem".

[Giggleton]

It's interesting but I do wonder how much influence the state is going to have over the content, perhaps none, perhaps some.

Now if they would just make tuition free again...

[rlowe]

Wow this is awesome! I'm exploring the site already

[fjtorres]

The state *always* has influence over textbooks.
Being a 50-50 public/private partnership should limit skew a bit.
Although one would expect the Sociology and PoliSci texts to be the best candidates for meddling. But since they're Open Textbooks they'll be readily modifiable to suit the professor so most of the medding (and ensuing controversy) will be at the grass roots not top-down.

[DreamWriter]

This is wonderful news! Even used textbooks are ridiculously priced.

[frahse]

Originally Posted by Giggleton

It's interesting but I do wonder how much influence the state is going to have over the content, perhaps none, perhaps some.

Now if they would just make tuition free again...

The States already have a tremendous influence.

[frahse]

Originally Posted by 6charlong

Teleread recently published a blog post about the creation of an Open Source library of lower division college textbooks.

California is the leader again, innovating a means for college students to hold down some college costs. Important to note that due to the nature of the licensing the textbooks will be available for anyone to use. A provision is put on these licenses so that print versions of the books must be available for no more than $20.

http://www.teleread.com/

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2...rce-textbooks/

https://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/34288

Great idea. It should apply to grades K through 12 as well.

[Giggleton]

Originally Posted by frahse

The States already have a tremendous influence.

Yes, with a more decentralized open textbook, they should have less right?

[SteveEisenberg]

My problem with this is that the financially distressed state of California, or at least its financially distressed higher education system, is going to put out bids for many of these textbooks. Someone then has to pay for them, and it probably will be, through still higher tuition, the students.

Under the current system, if a student can't afford textbooks, I believe he or she can read them in the library. Under this new system, it sounds like students will be forced to, albeit indirectly, buy -- or borrow money for -- the books.

[MovieBird]

Originally Posted by frahse

Great idea. It should apply to grades K through 12 as well.

Schwarzenegger proposed this back in 2009. It's good to see Brown actually sign this one, however. Everything I studied in the first two years of University was at least 100 years old.

http://arstechnica.com/information-t...ok-initiative/

[wizwor]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

I'm surprised the lobbyists for Big Publishing let it go this far.
There's a big chunk of their revenue coming from those over-priced textbooks.
On the other hand, it very neatly solves their "used textbook problem".

My kid's booklist was not released until the semester started which greatly hindered our ability to locate used/discounted texts. Some specified new revisions which prevented reuse of texts. One class required a special edition of a text which actually was a subset of the standard text plus some custom eye candy. This was such a blatent ripoff that the professor told the kids to buy the standard edition. Big Education is a Big Ripoff.