Open Stax and Other FREE Books
Overview
In this professional learning we will explore some amazing resources! There are FREE texbooks and ebooks available for downloading!
Welcome!
In this session we will explore the various options for free texbooks, books, and resources available. The sources we will check out are Open Stax, Project Gutenberg, BCCampus and others! Many of these resources are customizable, adaptable, and integrate into a variety of LMS's!
Why should we use digital books? Let's face it, that is how our students learn!
Check out this blog post on the 12 benefits of digital textbooks for K-12!
What Is Available?
There are so many options available it is all about finding the right option for your class!
Lets take a look at the options:
Open Stax - Upper Level courses (customizable)
- OpenStax is part of Rice University, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. Our mission is to improve educational access and learning for everyone. We do this by publishing openly licensed books, developing and improving research-based courseware, establishing partnerships with educational resource companies, and more.
Project Gutenberg - Ebooks
Project Gutenberg is an online library of free eBooks. Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related content today.
BCcampus - Open Textbook Collection
- In the BCcampus Open Education Self-Publishing Guide, we’ve shared our definition of open educational resources (OER): “teaching, learning, and research resources that, through permissions granted by their creator, allow others to use, distribute, keep, or make changes to them.”
Open Stax
Open Stax offers a variety of upper level textbooks and resources. It is important to remember that even the college level books can be adapted and used for K-12 students. while I recommend creating an account, you are able to browse without one.
Go to the sites listed below and browse the available books and resources! Make sure you choose a book and check out the instructor resources, student resources, and table of contents.
Open Stax
OpenStax CNX Library
Let's Discuss!
Now that you had time to explore the Open Stax resources, please discuss your thoughts using the link below!
Project Gutenberg!
Did you know that you can download titles like; Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, and Little Women for FREE!?
This quick video will help you learn how to navigate the website.
Explore Project Gutenberg!
Now it is your turn! Check out the awesome titles available through Project Gutenberg.
This link will take you to the Top 100 downloaded books!
Explore the books available.
Your Task:
Download one to see how easy it is!
BCcampus: OpenEd
According to the website: In the BCcampus Open Education Self-Publishing Guide, we’ve shared our definition of open educational resources (OER): “teaching, learning, and research resources that, through permissions granted by their creator, allow others to use, distribute, keep, or make changes to them.”
To read more about their Open Ed initiative check out: BCcampus- What is Open Education?
These resources are higher level also, if you dont feel like they apply, feel free to move onto the next section.
Amazon?
There are a number of ways to obtain free ebooks. The video below offers a few options including Amazon! That is right, free ebooks from Amazon!
Flipgrid!
Ok, now that you had time to explore the resorurces and learn a bit more about digital textbooks, follow this link and share your thoughts!