Festival of Learning 2018

Since 2011, JIBC has implemented open textbooks in some courses, including adoptions, adaptions, and new textbook creations. One of the drivers for this activity is a recognition that our student demographic is lower socio-economic for the most part and likely face considerable challenges in paying for their programs. Currently, we are working towards creating one of the first Zed Creds in Canada in our Law Enforcement Studies Diploma program. We have 11 textbooks currently in use and expect all courses in the LESD program to have zero cost for textbooks by Fall 2020. In 2018, we are seeking student perspectives on the impact that this has had on their perception of JIBC, their program, and their courses and instructors. Specifically, we want to know whether our assumption that open textbooks are benefitting students is valid, and if so, in what ways and to what degree.

In this presentation, we’ll share findings and discuss possible next steps both in terms of research and future development of our Zed Cred.