Textbook Affordability Project Administered by the University Library

About Dr. Luis Fernandez

Dr. Luis M. Fernández has a deep desire to make a lasting impact on the education community across all levels. Raised in the bilingual environment of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas, Dr. Fernández's journey instilled in him a profound passion for enhancing educational experiences, particularly for Emergent Bilingual (EB) Latina/o/x students in mathematics.

His upbringing has fueled his dedication to identifying instructional programs and methodologies that elevate the quality of mathematics education for EB students. Dr. Fernández is focused on developing resources and facilitating professional development opportunities for educators, equipping them with the tools to leverage EB skills for both English acquisition and content comprehension simultaneously.

Moreover, he delves into the underlying causes of apparent disparities in college students’ mathematical proficiency, such as the necessity for developmental courses. Dr. Fernández also examines the escalating demands placed on public high schools concerning mathematics achievement, seeking to understand and address the challenges posed by these rigorous expectations.

In essence, Dr. Fernández's work reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing educational equity and excellence, particularly in the realm of mathematics education for EBs in the RGV and elsewhere.

Course Redesign Project and Experience

In Fall of 2023, Dr. Fernandez led an initiative to revamp his "Fundamentals of Mathematics 2" (MATH 1351) course by merging two OER textbooks into one comprehensive resource. This task aimed to alleviate the financial burden on his students by eliminating the need for them to purchase expensive textbooks. Additionally, Dr. Fernandez integrated a free online homework system called "MyOpenMath," which conveniently offered pre-existing templates aligned with the combined textbooks, enhancing accessibility and further reducing costs for his students.

Redesigning and rebuilding his course using affordable course materials was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed him to be more creative and flexible in tailoring the content to meet the specific needs of his students. Moreover, knowing that he was contributing to making education more accessible and equitable was incredibly fulfilling.

Student Feedback

The feedback from his students when they discovered they did not have to purchase a textbook was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed relief and gratitude for the financial relief it provided. Not having to worry about the financial burden of buying a textbook allowed his students to focus more on their studies and excel in the course.

Reflections

Dr. Fernandez’s experience with adopting OER and affordable teaching materials has been transformative, both for him as an educator and for his students. He believes it's important for other faculty considering this approach to understand that it not only benefits students financially but also enhances their learning experience. By embracing OER and affordable materials, educators can promote inclusivity, innovation, and student success.

Embracing OER and affordable course materials has truly revolutionized his teaching practices. It has allowed him to break down barriers to education and empower his students to succeed. He encourages fellow educators to explore the vast resources available and consider the profound impact they can make by adopting these materials in their own courses. Together, he believes we can create a more accessible and equitable educational landscape for all students.