I-Learn Resources and Zero Textbook Cost Stipends

MEMORANDUM
To: Islander Faculty and Staff
Subject: I-Learn Resources and Zero Textbook Cost Stipends 

We are pleased to announce two initiatives that promote student academic and financial well-being. To help students realize their degree completion goals, we invite you to explore these opportunities to improve the educational experiences and achievements of our Islander students.

I-Learn

The Island University has partnered with Brainfuse to provide free online tutoring and academic resources to all students starting fall semester 2023. The new I-Learn platform provides 24/7 live assistance from certified tutors in a variety of subject areas, including math, science, business, computer science, nursing, humanities, and the social sciences. The Writing Lab feature gives students the ability to receive professional feedback on their work from expert writing instructors within 24 hours. Students can access I-Learn via the Blackboard Tools menu. For more information, please visit ilearn.tamucc.edu. 

Zero Textbook Cost Stipends

The Bell Library invites applications for a competitive stipend program to adopt, adapt, or create free alternatives to expensive textbooks. Open Educational Resources (OER) are freely accessible alternatives to traditional textbooks. OERs empower faculty to innovate pedagogically, enhance student access to high-quality, tailored educational materials, and reduce students’ financial burden. 

Whether you are interested in adopting an existing textbook or designing a next-generation package of online resources and videos, the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program offers a stipends from $1,000 to $3,500 (larger stipends may be available for larger-scale and impact projects). The following criteria will be prioritized: high enrollment classes, faculty who have not previously participated in this stipend program, and faculty from departments that have not previously used OER.

For more information about the ZTC program and to review the call for proposals, please visit the ZTC program page or email OER@tamucc.edu. Proposals are being accepted now until October 13. Informational sessions will be held Wednesday, September 13, at 2:30 p.m. on the second floor of Bell Library, and Thursday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.