The goal of this project is to adapt Introduction to Psychology, 1st Canadian Edition, a first-year psychology open textbook, through the lenses of equity, diversity, and inclusion. This project takes a collaborative approach, involving contributors from multiple institutions across B.C. who bring different perspectives and areas of expertise.
This is the first time BCcampus has supported an equity-focused open educational resource (OER) adaptation project, and we are excited to explore and learn from this process. Our goals are to improve the relevancy and equity of a well-adopted open textbook and explore the efficacy of adaptation projects. Is adapting existing OER in an effective way to diversify and improve educational resources? What’s the best way to scope and prioritize the work? What kind of supports and resources are needed to ensure adaptation projects are successful?
The final resource will be shared openly under a Creative Commons license for instructors and students around the world to use and adapt for free. In addition, we plan to document and share our process and learnings as we go.
Who’s Involved
The project team includes representation from the Justice Institute of British Columbia, College of New Caledonia, Thompson Rivers University, University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus, and Capilano University.
This project is funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Timeline
This project is expected to run from July 2023 to March 2024.
Background
Introduction to Psychology, 1st Canadian Edition was initially adapted by Jennifer Walinga in 2014 from an American open textbook published in 2010. The adaptation was one of the first funded by BCcampus, and it focused on revising the book to make it relevant for Canadian post-secondary students.
Since 2014 this book has been adopted by B.C. faculty in more than 200 psychology courses and saved students $810 000.
Who to Contact
For more information, please contact Josie Gray, manager, Production & Publishing