Today, March 10 marks the kick-off of to the third annual Open Education Week.
Coordinated by the OpenCourseWare Consortium, Open Education Week’s goal is to raise awareness about free and open educational opportunities that exist for everyone, everywhere, right now.
Beginning with this blog post today, BCcampus will be participating by featuring some our best open textbooks (ratings of 80% and higher based on peer reviews) currently available to instructors and students on our OpenEd site.
It’s all about Chemistry and Physics
Textbook: College Physics
Reviewed by: Takashi Sato, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Overall Rating: 4.9 out of 5
This book has the feel of a typical algebra based first year physics book, suitable for algebra-based first year physics courses anywhere. This book has reportedly been produced as part of a well-funded project (including support from the Hewlett Foundation, Gates Foundation, etc.) and, despite it being made available for free, does not appear lacking in quality.
Textbook: Introductory Chemistry
Reviewed by: Dr. Hugh Cartwright, University of Victoria
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
The style adopted is appropriate throughout, providing a good balance between the need to define chemical principles accurately and the desirability of engaging students with a relaxed, slightly chatty approach.
New terms are defined when introduced and most explanations are clear and lucid.
Textbook: Organic Chemistry with a Biological Emphasis
Reviewed by: Jessie Key, Vancouver Island University
Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5
The author has a friendly, and fairly accessible writing style. Jargon and technical terminology is defined appropriately. Sometimes idioms and colloquialisms are used, which may impede accessibility to English as a Second Language and international students.