Open Textbook

The term Open Textbook (English ) refers to a freely available textbook. It is provided online usually from authors or publishers. Unlike regular textbooks free licensing model allows the user to read, download or partial words to be printed at no additional cost. Some license types provide users with the possibility to use instead of the free online access alternative formats at low cost. This (for example, print, audio, and E -book formats ) can then serve the authors to send a modest fee or making a contribution to the cost of publication.

Open Textbooks are seen more and more as a possible solution to some of the problems of traditional textbook publishing industry .. In 2010 Horizon Report of the New Media Consortium, they were identified as a component of the implementation of open content in higher education.

Open Textbooks are an integral part of Open Educational Resources.

Definition

In order for a textbook may be referred to as Open Text Book, it must be so licensed, it gives users some basic rights that go beyond the normal copyright. A license or a list of permissions must be clearly stated by the author.

In general, the users at least the following rights:

  • The textbook may be used without grants to the author.
  • The textbook may be reproduced with appropriate mention of the author.
  • The textbook may be distributed for non-commercial purposes.
  • The textbook may be converted to other formats ( for example, in print or other digital formats).

Many authors also grant extensive rights such as:

  • Add contents of the textbook, remove, or change, often under the condition that in such derivative works the same license remains valid.
  • To copy The textbook without mention of the author and share.
  • To use the textbook for commercial purposes.

An example of the Community College Open Textbook Collaborative describes the requirements for an Open Textbook as: almost or completely free; easy to use, receive and impart; content customizable so teachers can customize the content; printable; and barrier- free, so it works with assistive technology for impaired learners, including those with learning disabilities.

The CK -12 Foundation is to similar standards, but must continue to ensure that tenders comply with state requirements.

Teaching

Open Textbooks are much more flexible than traditional textbooks, which the teacher provides more opportunities to use them better tailored to the needs of teaching.

A common problem in conventional textbooks, the frequency will appear with the new requirements. These make adjustments to the curriculum at the new book necessary. An Open Text Book, however, is indefinitely available, so the teachers just need to change the spending if they deem it necessary.

The fact that many Open Textbooks allow to adjust the content, teachers can it cope better cut to the requirements of each course. Also, the cost of textbooks, certain conditions may affect the quality of teaching, if it is not possible learners to buy needed materials.

Licensing models

The most common free licenses are:

  • Creative Commons Attribution
  • Creative Commons Attribution Share -Alike
  • Creative Commons Attribution Non - Commercial Share-Alike
  • GNU Free Documentation License

Projects

A number of projects has set itself the goal of developing Open Textbooks, support and promote them. Advocate for Open Textbooks and related Open Education projects include the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Higher Education

  • Make Textbooks Affordable
  • Open Textbook Catalog
  • Faculty Statement on Open Textbooks
  • The Community College Consortium for Open Educational Resources
  • The Open Textbook Project
  • Flat World Knowledge
  • Rice University Press
  • Community College Open Textbook Collaborative
  • Einstein University

Secondary

  • California Open Source Textbook Project
  • Global text
  • Free Textbooks Poland
  • CK -12 Foundation Flex Books
  • Free High School Science Texts - South Africa

General knowledge

Authorship

The author remuneration for Open Textbooks differs greatly from the traditional textbook publishing. By definition, allows the author of Open Textbooks complimentary use of the textbook to the general public, which excludes an allowance of access. However, it develops a series of models to support the authors. For example, paid an Open Textbook Publisher Flat World Knowledge named its authors share in the proceeds of sold copies and print learning aids. Other compensation models include scholarships, support programs and funding through advertising.

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