Local 12: UC Clermont professor creates free textbook for students to make higher education more affordable
Local 12: UC Clermont professor creates free textbook for students ... University of Cincinnati
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Increase in Cost of Textbooks Sparks Professor’s Initiative
In 2020, Patty Goedl witnessed a significant rise in the average cost of digital accounting textbooks, from approximately $30 per student to over $200. This increase posed a financial burden for students who were struggling to afford the necessary resources for their academic success.
Initially, Goedl attempted to negotiate with the publisher to lower the textbook’s cost. However, the price soon escalated once again.
Consequently, she took matters into her own hands and created her own textbook.
Open-Education Resource: Principles of Managerial Accounting
Goedl’s self-authored textbook, titled “Principles of Managerial Accounting,” has been published as an open-education resource (OER) by the University of Cincinnati Press. This digital textbook is freely accessible to anyone through the UC Press website. It is peer-reviewed and includes various interactive features such as videos and quizzes.
Goedl expressed her motivation behind this initiative, stating, “I don’t need the profit. It was more important for me to provide this textbook to students who require it more than I need the revenue.”
The availability of Goedl’s free textbook has greatly benefited numerous students, including Aly Bonawitz. Bonawitz, a single mother and full-time online student who also works a full-time job, emphasized the impact of textbook prices on her financial priorities.
She stated, “That’s groceries for a week for my daughter, or that’s clothing for my daughter when she starts school.” Bonawitz is currently a sophomore at UC Clermont, majoring in marketing and business management.
Further Information
To learn more about this inspiring initiative, you can watch and read the full story from Local 12 by following this link.
For additional details about Patty Goedl and her work, please visit this page.
Featured image at top: UC Clermont Professor Patty Goedl teaching an accounting class on campus. Photo/Danny Kidd
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | The creation of an open-education resource (OER) textbook that is peer-reviewed and available for free to anyone |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | The provision of a free textbook to students who cannot afford the high cost of traditional textbooks |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are:
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
- The creation of an open-education resource (OER) textbook that is peer-reviewed and available for free to anyone.
- The provision of a free textbook to students who cannot afford the high cost of traditional textbooks.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | The creation of an open-education resource (OER) textbook that is peer-reviewed and available for free to anyone |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | The provision of a free textbook to students who cannot afford the high cost of traditional textbooks |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: uc.edu
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