Abstract:

In this age of instant access to all varieties of information, do we really need to use text books for online courses? This presentation is designed to share information regarding designing university level curriculum and academic course work without the use of a text book. The presentation describes how to use open source web based material to construct a university online courses. This type of course development provides a variety of advantages.

A primary advantage to developing and maintain a no-textbook courses is that the designer can include the most up-to-date research each time the course is taught. Text books usually includes research that lags two-three years behind the most recently published research. By not have the course index to a textbook the designer can include the most current research in the field. Additionally, when designing an online course with a textbook the course usually is designed to match the content of the texts begin used. However, with text-free online course design the designer is free to be creative with content and connections that not be easily developed given the structure of a specific text. The additional design flexibility also provided greater opportunity to have online discussions regarding current relevant events. Because no-texts designs encourage students to actively seek information online to supplement course content they are more likely to encounter current issues and controversies and discuss them in the course. One more advantage is the substantial cost savings to students. Textbooks are very expensive so by eliminating them while still providing a rigorous and content rich course, designers provide a legitimate added value for students.

The presenter will share his experience with designing and teaching a no-text-book academic course and provide data/feedback from students who have taken these courses.

Keywords:

Online leaning, pedagogy, text books.