OpenStax
OpenStax is a non-profit educational initiative providing free, peer-reviewed textbooks and other materials for college and high school courses. OpenStax was created in 2012 by Rice University faculty members who recognized the high cost of traditional textbooks as a significant barrier to higher education.
OpenStax textbooks are available online and in print, covering various subjects, including math, science, social sciences, and humanities. The textbooks are designed to be adaptable and customizable to fit the needs of individual instructors and students.
One of the critical features of OpenStax textbooks is that they are open educational resources (OERs). This means they are free to use, distribute, and modify under a Creative Commons license, allowing educators to share and adapt the content to meet their needs.
OpenStax textbooks have been widely adopted by educational institutions across the United States and worldwide. As of 2021, over 12 million students have used OpenStax textbooks, resulting in an estimated $1.2 billion in savings on textbook costs.
In addition to free textbooks, OpenStax offers various support services to help educators use their materials effectively. These services include training and professional development for instructors, resources for student success, and a community forum where educators can share best practices and collaborate on OER projects.
OpenStax is an excellent example of how OERs can increase access to high-quality educational resources and reduce costs for students and institutions. OpenStax has led the OER movement by providing accessible, peer-reviewed textbooks and support services and helping create a more equitable and affordable higher education system.
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