New book: Mi Voz. Mi Historia. Español para Estudiantes de Herencia

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our 17th free and open eTextbook: Mi Voz. Mi Historia. Español para Estudiantes de Herencia by Dr. Carolina Moctezuma, Assistant Professor of Modern Languages at Kutztown University.

“This book consists of both original material and a compilation of other OER activities designed to provide tools and opportunities for heritage students to explore and learn about their roots and spoken language. Together, these materials and activities target the specific language learning needs of students who grew up in a Spanish-speaking household with either their parents, grandparents, or other family. In addition to targeting oral and written language learning objectives that reflect their dialectal backgrounds, this book emphasizes cultural aspects not featured in most English or Spanish courses. Knowledge and skills in language and culture foster a positive ethnic identity for heritage students, which studies have shown lead to academic success.

The text features four units. Unit I starts by asking questions to help students develop self-awareness and comfort with their personal Spanish speaking abilities, experience in formal classroom settings, and their goals with the language. Unit II focuses on the benefits of being bilingual and appreciating one’s bilingual identity. Unit III explores the use of Spanglish, language and personal identity, and code switching. Unit IV explores the evolution of the Spanish language and the cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped this diverse and rich language.

Each unit also includes grammar topics that heritage speakers commonly struggle with in their writing, as well as sections emphasizing culture as it relates to history and identities.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our 16th free and open eTextbook: Developmental Biology Laboratory: Experiments in Classical and Experimental Embryology by Dr. Judith A. Cebra-Thomas, Associate Professor of Biology at Millersville University, and Matthew E. Smith, Graduate Student at the University of Delaware.

“This work is designed primarily for use as a laboratory manual in college-level Embryology and Developmental Biology courses and as a companion to developmental biology textbooks. It explores several model animal systems and a variety of the scientific approaches that have been used to study them. It includes both classical embryological observations and manipulations, and more modern techniques, including organ culture and the disruption of developmental processes through pharmacology. The experiments described in the lab manual are designed for 2- to 3-hour laboratory periods. The introductory protocols in each chapter can be adapted to Introductory Biology or Cell Biology courses, while the later protocols are more suited to an advanced course in Developmental Biology. The manual also includes extensive illustrations, preparation guides and appendices to aid the instructor in setting up each lab.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New books: General Biology Laboratory Booklet, and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our fourteenth and fifteenth free and open eTextbooks: General Biology Laboratory Booklet and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet by Dr. Martilias Farrell, Visiting Professor of Biology at Cheyney University.

General Biology Laboratory Booklet

“This laboratory manual provides a diverse collection of experiments designed to immerse students in techniques mirroring those used in professional biomedical research. Students will explore fundamental enzyme kinetics, investigating how varying amylase concentrations and the introduction of chemical modifiers influence starch digestion rates. These labs emphasize quantitative analysis through colorimetric assays and densitometry using ImageJ software. The booklet also features studies with planaria, where students will assess how common substances affect locomotor activity and screen compounds for their impact on the remarkable regenerative abilities of these organisms, including generating concentration-effect curves. Additional activities guide students in using microscopy to observe microscopic life. Throughout these hands-on investigations, students will develop and refine crucial laboratory skills such as preparing serial dilutions, mastering precise pipetting techniques, and maintaining detailed, reproducible laboratory notebooks, thereby building a robust foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and the scientific method.”

Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Booklet

“This laboratory manual presents a diverse collection of hands-on and interactive activities designed to enhance understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Students will engage with skeletal anatomy by creating and decoding messages using bone terminology with anatomical models and by performing bone measurements to analyze relationships with physical attributes. The manual delves into neuroscience by investigating the perception of binaural beats through auditory experiments and by utilizing the Neuronify simulation tool to construct and analyze neural circuits demonstrating synaptic summation. Physiological concepts are explored through experiments on respiratory rate dynamics in response to exercise and the principles of lung surfactant action. Additionally, students will apply anatomical terminology to describe dance movements. These activities collectively foster skills in data collection, critical analysis, and collaborative learning.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: Making Meaning With & Through Writing: An Approach to Research Writing

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our thirteenth free and open eTextbook: Making Meaning With & Through Writing: An Approach to Research Writing by Dr. Ilknur Sancak-Marusa, Assistant Professor of English at West Chester University.

“Academic writing is an act of intellectual translation which converts raw ideas into academic discourse to bridge the gap between writer and reader. However, writing is often viewed as a mechanical skill rather than an intellectual craft. This brief text reframes academic writing as a translation process that transforms complex thoughts, research findings, and abstract concepts into purposeful, persuasive writing.

Using the writing process as the foundation, each chapter aims to provide a practice to navigate the recursive nature of writing. To that end, fundamental translation principles are utilized to analyze audience needs, understand scholarly articles, synthesize and craft arguments that resonate across disciplinary boundaries.

Writing isn’t separate from thinking as it allows us to refine our ideas and share them with others in meaningful ways. Embracing this connection between writing and its impact, positions an individual as an active participant rather than a passive observer in conversations that shape disciplines and the world-at-large. This writing guide seeks to equip students with the essential tools needed to engage meaningfully in the communities they serve and soon will discover.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: Laboratory Manual: General Chemistry II Honors

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our twelfth free and open eTextbook: Laboratory Manual: General Chemistry II Honors by Dr. Adedoyin M. Adeyiga, Chair of Natural and Applied Sciences & Professor of Chemistry, Department of Natural & Applied Sciences at Cheyney University.

“General Chemistry II Honors Laboratory Manual (2025) is designed to expose students to labs with applications. Chemical instrumentation for analyses of different substances is showcased; analysis of common household and environmental samples was delved into. The belief is that honors level students should get early introduction to chemical instrumentation and their use in carrying out sample testing and analysis.”

This is Dr. Adeyiga’s second eTextbook as part of the PA-ADOPT project. His first book, Laboratory Manual: General Chemistry I Honors, was released in 2023.

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: Programming with Java

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our eleventh free and open eTextbook: Programming with Java by Dr. Ashik Ahmed Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, and Dr. Md Amiruzzaman, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, at West Chester University.

“Programming with Java is a beginner-friendly eTextbook that introduces readers to the fundamentals of Java, one of the most widely used programming languages. It covers key concepts like syntax, data types, control structures, and object-oriented programming, offering clear explanations and practical examples. The chapters build progressively, making the material accessible even to those with little or no programming background. The book also explores important topics such as exception handling, file I/O, and basic data structures, providing a strong foundation for further computer science studies. With interactive exercises and end-of-chapter projects, readers can apply their knowledge through real-world applications. This eTextbook equips students with the skills they need to confidently take on advanced programming challenges and pursue successful careers in software development.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: A Guide to Composition

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our tenth free and open eTextbook: A Guide to Compostition by Dr. Sandra Leonard, Associate Professor of English at Kutztown University.

“A Guide to Composition is an introduction to college writing and research. The text begins by defining basic principles of rhetoric and composition using popular texts such as advertisements, speeches, and news media. This textbook then moves to the specific genres of narrative and argument. Elements of the writing process are emphasized throughout the text in addressing writing center use, idea generation, library use, peer review, and ethical attribution including some discussion of A.I. Each chapter is written by current or former Kutztown University faculty and students, making it particularly well-suited to Kutztown University students; however, chapters two through eight are particularly inviting to wider audiences. Each chapter contains a number of writing process activities that may be useful as classroom activities or homework assignments.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: The Digital Storytelling Handbook

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our ninth free and open eTextbook: The Digital Storytelling Handbook by Dr. Jordan Schugar, Professor of English, and Dr. Chris Penny, Professor of Educational Foundations & Policy Studies, at West Chester University (WCU). Other contributors include Hannah Glatt, Learning Experience and eTextbook Designer, and Autumn Hudson, Tu Le, Sarah Mangano, and Victoria McQuiston, Graduate Students at WCU.

“The Digital Storytelling Handbook is designed to provide an introduction to digital storytelling and its multifaceted applications in the higher education classroom space. This eTextbook gives storytellers practical tools to help them think about different reasons for making digital stories and different ways to think about using and incorporating digital stories into teaching, learning, and living. In this eTextbook, readers will also learn how experiencing digital stories — as either the author or the audience — builds cultural competence and teaches us about humanity and the human experience. Co-authored with students, this eTextbook was written in the spirit of OER with the expectation that future readers and students have an opportunity to contribute a chapter, idea, approach, or methodology of the eTextbook’s basic content.”

Hudson, Le, Mangano, and McQuiston were all students in Dr. Penny’s EDT 530: Digital Media Production and Storytelling course during the Spring 2024 semester. In this course, students participated in the development of an Open Educational Resource (OER) utilizing an approach known as Open Pedagogy. As explained by the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries, it is “the practice of engaging with students as creators of information rather than simply consumers of it. It’s a form of experiential learning in which students demonstrate understanding through the act of creation. The products of open pedagogy are student created and openly licensed so that they may live outside of the classroom in a way that has an impact on the greater community.” This is the first PA-ADOPT eTextbook to utilize Open Pedagogy.

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: Introduction to Data Science Using Python

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our eighth free and open eTextbook: Introduction to Data Science Using Python by Dr. Afrand Agah, Professor of Computer Science at West Chester University.

“This book contains two parts, the first is designed to be used in an introductory programming course for students looking to learn Python, without having any prior experience with programming. Basic programming concepts are discussed, explained, and illustrated with a Python program. Ample programming questions are provided for practice. The second part of the book utilizes machine-learning concepts and statistics to accomplish data-driven resolutions. Python programs are provided to apply scientific computing to conclude statistically driven results.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.

New book: Basic Statistics Using R for Crime Analysis

Posted on by Marc Drumm
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The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) is pleased to announce the immediate availability of our seventh free and open eTextbook: Basic Statistics Using R for Crime Analysis by Dr. Jaeyong Choi, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at West Chester University.

“Limited access to subscription-based statistical software poses obstacles when students want to apply the skills they acquired in college. Although students may learn programs like SPSS or Stata while at the university, they often find themselves unable to continue using these programs after graduation, making their acquired skills obsolete. As an open-source software program, R offers a solution to this challenge. It is freely accessible to anyone, including students, after they graduate. Therefore, I decided to write a freely available book for those interested in becoming crime analysts, focusing on learning statistics without delving too deeply into mathematics. Moreover, this book emphasizes practical applications by utilizing R for data analysis, ensuring students can develop relevant skills beyond the university. I hope that students can easily follow the instructions in this book and replicate the same outcomes using the provided data. This practical experience will demonstrate the value of statistics and R, ideally inspiring students to further their learning in these areas.”

Please help us spread the word about our books and web site to further our work to reduce costs for students, bring equity to higher education classrooms, and give faculty the flexibility to design their own learning experiences. All of our books are available to download in both ePub and PDF formats from our Bookshelf.