New OER-Based Learning Platform Provides Alternative to Traditional Textbooks

PanOpen is tackling the textbook affordability challenge with a new learning platform based exclusively on open educational resources (OER). The platform combines OER content with tools such as content customization, LMS integration, self-grading quizzes, note-taking, real-time chat and data analytics.

While panOpen can be used for any subject, it offers enhanced, interactive "pillar" resources in the areas of history, chemistry, economics, physics, biology, psychology, business and finance. (Additional pillar courses are in development, according to the company.) All content can be freely downloaded, printed and shared.

Faculty can access, edit and contribute content at no cost. Students pay a flat subscription fee per course for perpetual access, which, panOpen estimates, amounts to a 75 percent cost reduction compared to traditional textbooks.

Other features include:

  • LMS integration and gradebook syncing;
  • Data and reporting analytics;
  • Tools such as self-grading quizzes, note-taking, highlighting capabilities, flashcards and real-time chat; and
  • A revenue-sharing model that incentivizes authors, faculty adapters and editors, and technology partners.

Currently, panOpen boasts nearly 100 pilot programs in higher education institutions across the country. As Jeremy Nicholson, biology instructor at piloting institution South Plains College, commented in a press release, "Most students cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on textbooks every year. Instead, they opt to purchase cheaper, out of date textbooks, or no books at all. Using high-quality open educational resources, we can ensure that every student has access to a current text that is integrated into the curriculum, while saving them a significant amount of money."

For more information, visit the panOpen site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • academic building surrounded by clouds and glowing lightbulbs

    University of Pittsburgh Partners with AWS on Cloud Innovation Center

    The University of Pittsburgh is teaming up with Amazon Web Services to establish a new Cloud Innovation Center focused on health sciences and sports analytics.

  • geometric grid of colorful faculty silhouettes using laptops

    Top 3 Faculty Uses of Gen AI

    A new report from Anthropic provides insights into how higher education faculty are using generative AI, both in and out of the classroom.

  • laptop with a neural network image, surrounded by books, notebooks, a magnifying glass, a pencil cup, and a desk lamp

    D2L Lumi AI Updates Add Personalized Study Supports

    Learning platform D2L has announced new artificial intelligence features for D2L Lumi that help provide more personalized study supports for students.

  • server racks, a human head with a microchip, data pipes, cloud storage, and analytical symbols

    OpenAI, Oracle Expand AI Infrastructure Partnership

    OpenAI and Oracle have announced they will develop an additional 4.5 gigawatts of data center capacity, expanding their artificial intelligence infrastructure partnership as part of the Stargate Project, a joint venture among OpenAI, Oracle, and Japan's SoftBank Group that aims to deploy 10 gigawatts of computing capacity over four years.