Open Source Textbook Library Helps Mend Budget Shortfall

I spoke in another comment of ways that I think we can ease the pain of budget cuts. Another one that I have that pertains with this article is my dream of a non-profit student run textbook library.

With about 9000 resident and commuter students at USM, paying on average $900 per year on textbooks, that’s $8.1 million a year which goes mostly to publishers. The USM bookstore gets a chunk of that but not as much as publishers and shipping costs.

I propose that we open an open source digital textbook library. Students write the books as part of the course work, faculty edit the text for quality, and the next semester of students pay a small fee to acres the database of texts. This way, 100% of the money stays at USM, students have their work published into a useful tool instead of discarded into the recycling, and we all save big time because we cut the publishers and freight out of the equation.

We are a university of bright individuals, we have the human capital to pull this off. It’s a win for students who pay less, faculty could be financially rewarded also, administration gets to balance the books.

I want to hear what people think of this, prove me wrong if you can. Poke holes in my theory if you’re able.

Teaching Your Old Text Book A New Trick

With the spring semester quickly approaching many students at USM already have their sights set on the next round of text books. Text book season is usually a sad time for students and involves dishing out cash on books when they would much rather be spending it on other things. Times are changing, and there is work being done now to teach the old text book a new trick.

Student Information Exchange

I’ve always said that college, like life, is what you make of it. If you take an easy class, but put in extra effort to challenge yourself, you get more out of the easy class. The University really is two in one because every year it graduates people who worked their butts off to get that degree, and it also graduates people who did the bare minimum but still passed with flying colors. Both students get the degree, both students pay the same bill, but only one actually has an education worth the price tag. If you want to screw around and blow your college career on drinking, parties, and skipping classes, by all means go ahead. The University is more than glad to take your money and keep you on the 7 year plan. If you want to actually engage in your college experience and get the most out of the free resources around you, listen up.

Expanding The Pie With Captured Classes

It seems to me that one possible solution to the current budget cuts may include a radical idea that I had last spring semester.

I have a vision in which students are paid workstudy funds to capture all classes at USM. By capture, I mean that they either record video, audio, or both. These students would be hired as Faculty Assistants to help faculty. One main job of the TA would be to post all audio/video recordings of the classes on a special online class. In this way all classes would be placed online, the day of the class. These classes would be available via RSS in a podcast like form.

Go Green

This Saturday November 8, 2008 there will be a Go Green conference from 10:00-16:00 at Mt. Ararat high school in the gym.

Topics of discussion will include transportation, energy, and consumer goods and services to name just a few.

There will be plenty of parking but no admission.

Water Rights – Tom Linzey and Gail Darrell

Gail Darrell

Tom gave a great introduction to many of the issues facing communities that are fighting corporations last night. Today, Gail brought some first hand experience of her dealings with corporations in her town.

Did you know that New Hampshire has a provision written it’s constitution that states citizen responsibility and duty bound, when confronted by a law that doesn’t work, to revolt against it and replace it with a law that does work. That’s just one of the things that Gail and Tom learned as they set out to protect their town from a Nestle bottling plant. Thankfully the New Hampshire constitution made it easier for the communities to work the issues than in Pennsylvania but its still not over.

Gkisebtanamoogk – The Real Sustainable Future Is… The Longhouse Contextual Reminder

Wampanoag Elder and Teacher Gkisebtanamoogk prepares for his presentation.

Gkisebtanamoogk has a very rich experience to say the least. If you listen to the way he speaks, it’s obvious that his cautious and calm nature are a reflection of his wisdom attained after many years of the experience.

He spoke about how this recent trend if reconnecting to nature by the public consciousness is simply seeking to replicate the traditions, beliefs, and actions his people have been living for their entire history. There is nothing like being one of the people living the American lifestyle and getting a very powerful ‘I told ya so.’ it’s a very powerful message that we’ll take home.

June LaCombe – The Greening of Art: Imaginery From Environmental Arts, Insights For Education For Sustainability

June shows us some photographs of one artists work that created a wheat field in downtown NYC.

We need to take on the environment issues in a multifaceted way. Art is one if the facets in which we can address the issues facing the environment and make an emotional connection with people in order to foster a change in public policy.

June gave the audience numerous examples of how artists are working to highlight environmental issues through art, sculpture, and environmental installations.

Emma Holder – The Spice of Life

Talk about high energy! The participants of this mornings presentations were lead by Emma Holder through a very vibrant session of dancing and music.

She started at the back and made her way down the aisle to the stage in a very robust dance. By the time she reached the stage the entire audience was clapping to the beat.

Katherine Freund – Independent Tranaportation

Katherine outlines the ITNAmerica network and how it provides affordable transportation to the elderly.

Katherine outlined her efforts to create a transportation system to address the issue of an aging generation.

She highlights that in the past 100 years we have added 30 years to our lifespan. The percent of change in longevity has increased more in the last 100 years than in the previous 50,000.

Elderly drivers are all to often unable or unwilling to drive but still need to meet the needs of life outside of their homes in the community and beyond.