Open Educational Resources and Affordable Textbook Alternatives

Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG), a USG initiative, supports the implementation of affordable alternatives to expensive commercial textbooks, particularly Open Educational Resources (OER) and open textbooks, which are both free and customizable.

ALG offers numerous services to accomplish its goal of affordable learning. The ALG website contains resources and information related to affordable learning, OER, and advocacy. ALG's Textbook Transformation Grants provide monetary support to encourage the adoption and/or creation of open textbooks or the use of library/licensed educational resources (LER).

GGC Contacts

GGC supports the University System of Georgia's (USG) Affordable Learning Georgia program. This program provides two on-campus "champions" for faculty interested in affordable learning.

Library Champion: Catherine Downey, Interim Dean of Library Services

Design Champion: Tracy Adkins, Executive Director of Academic Technology and Campus Engagement

Campus Contact: Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Marie Firestone, Associate Director

The Affordable Learning Georgia Textbook Transformation Grants are intended to:

1. Pilot different approaches in USG courses for textbook transformation including adoption, adaptation, and creation of Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or identification and adoption of materials already available in GALILEO and USG libraries.
2. Provide support to faculty, libraries, and their institutions to implement these approaches.
3. Lower the cost of college for students and contribute to their retention, progression, and graduation.

The Textbook Transformation Grants are offered several times throughout the year. If you'd like to apply for a grant and need help getting started, your ALG Campus Champions are happy to help.