Transitioning to Open: A Case Study in General Chemistry OER Adoption Online
Over the past year, UNM’s General Chemistry faculty have successfully transitioned their Gen Chem 1 and 2 courses (CHEM 1215 and 1225) to OpenStax textbooks. This shift is part of a broader initiative supported by a Department of Education OER grant, in collaboration with the UNM Library. In this webinar, the Chemistry department will share their curriculum, offering a practical example of how free and open textbooks can effectively meet New Mexico’s shared General Education Outcomes.
Join us to explore not only the course content and instructional strategies but also the collaborative process the department used to build faculty consensus around OER adoption. This session will provide insights and strategies for departments seeking to implement or expand their use of open educational resources.
Related LibGuide: Open Educational Resources: A Primer by Jennifer Jordan
- Date:
- Friday, April 25, 2025
- Time:
- 2:00pm - 3:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Mountain Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.
- Audience:
- Global Public
Webinar Agenda:
In this session, we’ll begin with an Introduction to New Mexico OER by Jennifer Jordan, highlighting statewide initiatives and the Department of Education grant supporting this work. Next, UNM Chemistry faculty Ezra Depperman and Diana Habel-Rodriguez will share their Adoption Experience, detailing the transition to OpenStax textbooks for Gen Chem 1 and 2, including challenges, benefits, and faculty collaboration. Following this, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the adoption process. Jillian Stafford, along with Ezra and Diana, will then discuss Supplementary Online Materials & Anticipated Text Modifications, showcasing the digital resources used and planned curriculum enhancements. K. Joseph Ho will provide an overview of Lab Material Creations, highlighting new OER lab content developed for the courses. The session will conclude with a Q&A on the online materials and modifications, followed by a Summary & Resources from Jennifer Jordan, offering guidance and support for institutions considering a similar transition.
