Faculty Showcase: Mathematics and Statistics
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Business
Education
Humanities
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Social Science
Julie Simons, Ph.D. from California Maritime Academy
eTextbook: Introductory Statistics by OpenStax College
Course Description:
This course is a study of general concepts of statistics, including sampling, probability distributions, statistical inferences, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, and correlations. Use of technology, including graphing calculators or computers will be used extensively to describe and analyze data.
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"To choose an open textbook for this course, I browsed Merlot and OpenStax and other OER sites. I reviewed the options available, in terms of content and ease of use. Due to the interface and accessibility options for this book, it stood apart from some other resources "
April LaGue, Ph.D. from California State University, Bakersfield
eTextbook: Boundless Statistics
Course Description:
This course develops an awareness of research methodology, assessment, and evaluation of children and families as represented in the body of Child Development literature.
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"The main motivation for adopting the open textbook was to save students money. An added bonus was that students knew I did the work and research for them to save money and so it immediately created a positive relationship with them from the beginning. To find this textbook, I worked with my ALS coordinator and did some of my own online researching."
Min-Lin Lo, Ph.D. from California State University San Bernardino
eTextbook: Introductory Statistics by Saylor
Course Description:
Basic concepts of probability and statistics. Important probability models such as the binomial, Poisson and normal. Statistical procedures, particularly in relation to estimation, hypothesis testing, and modeling. Computer simulations and computations.
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"The main motivation for adopting the open textbook was saving students money. I found this textbook by searching MERLOT."
Min-Lin Lo, Ph.D. from California State University San Bernardino
eTextbook: Vector Calculus
Course Description:
In this course, students will learn about: Vectors and vector geometry in two and three dimensions. Elementary linear algebra. Multivariable functions. Parameterization of space curves.
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"My major motivation in finding an OER for this class was to save money for my students. In order to find a resource, I searched MERLOT and found Vector Calculus."
Roy Shahbazian from Santa Ana College, CA
eTextbook: Precalculus: An Investigation of Functions by David Lippman and Melonie Rasmussen, Pierce Community College
Course Description:
Advanced algebraic topics. Study of rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, and analytic geometry. Preparation for Mathematics 180 (Calculus). Most students taking Precalculus are science or engineering majors.
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"Getting departmental permission to use a textbook different from the department norm was challenging. Gradually more faculty have started to use it. We are now in the process of forming a committee to consider a more formal recommendation for other faculty who teach the course."
Irene Duranczyk from the University of Minnesota, MN
eTextbook: Introductory Statistics by OpenStax College
Course Description:
This project-based course is an introduction to statistics that emphasizes problem solving and decision making through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. Course topics include the organization and presentation of data, summary statistics, sampling methodology, sampling distributions, probability, estimation, correlation, hypothesis testing, contingency tables, and chi-square analysis. The instructional approach includes the use of small active learning groups, computer statistics software, in-depth projects, writing assignments, demonstrations, and a lot of discussion and problem solving based on practical examples.
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"As a team, we took on the challenge of adapting the Collaborative Statistics text to meet our preferred order of topics, rearranged some groupings of topics, and added the technology support that we felt students needed for an exceptional experience."
Larry Green from Lake Tahoe Community College, CA
eTextbook: Introductory Statistics by OpenStax College
Course Description:
This course covers elements of probability, frequency distributions, graphs and measures of central tendency. Functions of random variables, probability distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) will also be covered..
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"Over the years, it had been frustrating to see the students in sticker shock when told that the textbook would cost them $150 each. It is unfair that those in the minority with adequate funds were the only ones who were able to purchase the textbook while the rest attempted to "get by" without it. When I heard about the OER option I spoke with one of the authors, Dr. Barbara Illowsky, and some of the other early adopters to realize that students can learn just as well without having to spend large sums of money. "
Barbara Illowsky from De Anza College, CA
eTextbook: Introductory Statistics by OpenStax College
Course Description:
The course introduces the student to applications in engineering, business, economics, medicine, education, the sciences, and those pertaining to issues of contemporary interest. It covers the introduction to data analysis making use of graphical and numerical techniques to study patterns. Emphasis is on understanding variation, collecting information in the face of uncertainty, checking distributional assumptions, testing hypotheses, using probability as a tool for anticipating what the distribution of data may look like under a set of assumptions, and using appropriate statistical models to draw conclusions.
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"My suggestions for faculty who are just getting started is to search for existing OER before developing your own. There are great resources already available. You might need to supplement with minimal original development."
Hasan Z. Rahim from San Jose City College
eTextbook: Introduction to Statistics from OpenStax College
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the study of statistics. Students will learn methods of displaying data, descriptive statistics, basic concepts of probability theory, random variables, common statistical distributions, estimates and sample size, hypothesis testing, goodness-of-fit test, contingency table analysis, tests of two independent population parameters, Chi-square, ANOVA, and regression and correlation. Students will apply basic statistical concepts to data from education, business, social sciences, and natural sciences. To aid in the analysis of data, the use of computational technology will be required.
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"My main motivation is to save my students money without compromising on the quality of the text."
Tami Matsumoto from College of the Redwoods
eTextbook: Chapters from College Trigonometry
Course Description:
A study of trigonometric functions, radian measure, solution of right triangles, graphs of the trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, laws of sines and cosines, solution of oblique triangles, polar coordinates, complex numbers in trigonometric form, De Moivre's theorem, and conic sections. Note: A graphing calculator is required.
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"In general, the primary motivation for adopting an open textbook is to save students money. Ease of access is also important, and using an online book eliminates many hurdles related to acquiring an actual book."
Daniel Brice, Ph.D. from California State University, Bakersfield
eTextbook: Proofs and Concepts: the Fundamentals of Abstract Mathematics by D. Morris and J. Morris
Course Description:
Investigation of the fundamental tools used in writing mathematical proofs. This course relies heavily on problem-solving and writing complete, logically consistent arguments to illustrate the correct use of the logical tools and methods discussed.
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"The primary motivation for adoption is the potential cost savings for students. The material covered in the typical introduction-to-proofs textbook is hardly new or novel in any way - it is all standard material. There is no justification for charging students up to $120 for one-quarter's worth of material that is abstract in nature, general in application, and essentially amounts to an "open standard" among mathematicians."
Taiyo Inoue, Ph.D. from California State University Maritime Academy
eTextbook: Apex Calculus by G. Hartman
Course Description:
Introduction of functions and limits, differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, and applications of the definite integral.
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"I sought out a solution and found a very good one in the form of APEX Calculus - a free and open-source textbook that is good and still improving."
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