Each year Educational Innovations at the Minnesota State system office conducts a survey of textbook cost savings resulting from the use of open textbooks the past academic year. This data is then shared with the Open Textbook Network (OTN) at the University of Minnesota in a broader effort to calculate the impact of open textbooks nationwide.
Minnesota State faculty who used an open textbook (or open educational resources) as a substitute for a publisher textbook last academic year are invited to participate in this survey by completing the cost savings survey form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Survey Voluntary?
This survey is 100% voluntary. There is no personal benefit or drawback to participation or non-participation. There is a collective benefit, as our reported cost savings will help the OTN better understand the impact of open textbooks and advocate for greater or better use of OER.
Can I Share This Opportunity with Colleagues in my College or University?
Absolutely! In fact, Educational Innovations welcomes your help. Once again, all Minnesota State faculty who used an open textbook (or open educational resources) as a substitute for a publisher textbook last academic year are invited to participate in this survey.
What Types of Data Are Being Collected?
The data being requested includes:
• Your first and last name
• Your campus email address
• The name of your institution
• The discipline you teach in
• The number of students who took a course(s) from you that used an open textbook or OER as a replacement for a publisher text
We are not requesting individual student data or any information that would otherwise be subject to FERPA.
How Will Cost Savings Be Calculated?
Educational Innovations will calculate cost savings by using a common standard of $100 per textbook replaced. One textbook = $100. To learn more about this practice, visit this article from Open Oregon.
How and To Whom Will This Data Be Shared?
Cost savings will be reported in aggregate to the OTN broken down by institution. Faculty names and email addresses will not be reported to the OTN.
Aggregate data will also be posted to the Educational Innovations website. Our cost savings goal is $1,500,000. (Minnesota State reported cost savings of $1,083,767 in academic year 2018).
When is the Cost Savings Survey Due?
Cost saving submissions are due by Friday, November 25, 2019.
How Do I Participate in this Survey?
To participate in the survey, complete the online form through Microsoft Forms. Completing the form should take no more than 5-10 minutes. Form information is submitted to Educational Innovations at the Minnesota State system office.
Questions?
Contact Stephen Kelly, stephen.kelly@minnstate.edu or at 651-201-1813.
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