by Taylor Bryant
The University of West Georgia’s eCore now has free electronic textbooks for six of its online classes. The open textbooks are available publicly and for free as electronic publications that can be downloaded and printed.
eCore, short for electronic core-curriculum, allows University System of Georgia students at 10 institutions the opportunity to complete the first two years of their collegiate careers in an online environment. eCore courses are designed, developed, taught and supported by faculty and staff from across the USG. Courses are taught entirely online, except for the occasional proctored exam.
“With the average textbook costing around $175, this represents a very significant savings for students,” says Dr. Melanie N. Clay, dean of USG eCore and executive director of extended learning. “The foundations of eCore are quality and student success, as marked by our class sizes, the hands-on teaching approach by faculty, and extensive support services. Our textbook initiative enables us to become more affordable without compromising the student learning environment.”
UWG offered one history course with free electronic textbooks during the 2013 summer semester. In Spring 2014, five UWG courses will have open textbooks, with more following in Fall 2014.
eCore is a convenient and adaptable option for either getting started in college or for resuming college after a break. The core curriculum primarily consists of courses required during the first two years of college for a given degree.
For more information on UWG’s eCore, visit ecore.usg.edu.
