Professor Hawks has been teaching at MCC for the last 12 years and began using OER five years in her Art History/World Civilization Prior to 1500 and after 1500 (History 130 and 131) courses.
She participated in a stipend offered through Middlesex where she developed a course module on Angkor Wat in Cambodia. She used a variety of open access materials in that module, and has been able to adapt that course module to many of the courses she has taught ever since.
She shares that realizing she could save her students money and still have excellent teaching resources is what led her to use OER.
She recognizes that the cost of textbooks can be prohibitive for her students. To have materials free of cost makes it possible for ALL students to get access to the textbooks. Her students have also had a positive experience with the course materials and enjoy the open access world history textbooks that she uses.
Professor Hawks also sees a direct connection between OER and equity. “Open access textbooks are available to all. They encourage reading and learning. It is crucial to have top-level teaching materials that students can afford.”
For faculty who might be considering adopting OER for their courses she suggests, “taking a look at what is available- you'll find some good materials! Design your own open access course module. You'll have fun doing it, and it will benefit others teaching similar courses.”
Professor Hawks, we appreciate your commitment to OER!