Five questions with Prof. Andrea Pabon of Luzerne County Community College about why she chose to use Junction with OpenStax with her students this year.
Q: How did you first come across Junction?
AP: I was looking for an alternative to support the learning process so I could implement an experiential class experience. When I explored what Junction offered, it was exactly what I needed.
Q: What do you (and your students) like about Junction vis-a-vis alternatives?
AP: Well, first and foremost the cost is fantastic and really works for our students who often struggle with paying $100 or more for textbooks. In addition, learning through technology and the multi-learning approach used by Junction, such as videos, discussion boards, short readings, quizzes, openstax text reading and flashcards have been cited by students as making learning fun and engaging.
Q: How important was the inclusion of the OpenStax textbook in making your adoption decision?
AP: Extremely important. The text is written in a straightforward manner that makes the reading more understandable and applicable to students. In addition, the Openstax text with Junction builds the framework for learning, so class can be used for discussion and experiential activities that lend to critical thinking in learning Sociology.
Q: How would you rate your satisfaction with Junction (including OpenStax)?
AP: I have been extremely satisfied with Junction and OpenStax, as both have allowed me to engage in my teaching style which is interactive rather than lecture. I have watched students change in how they see the world as well as become more active in their participation in society. For example, last semester, one of my classes brought in a veteran who was extremely motivating for the entire campus in sharing his story. They also collected a variety of items to donate to the local VA. Using Junction and OpenStax afforded our class the opportunity and time to really experience sociology through a social action project as well as apply the concepts learned through Junction, OpenStax, lecture, class discussion and activities.
Q: What suggestions / tips would you have for other instructors considering adopting OER-based courseware?
AP: Be creative in the classroom. OER based courseware allows an instructor to facilitate the learning process to a deeper level. Students are more engaged and involved as well as taking ownership for their learning process. Finding a partner like Junction who has done a lot of the hard work identifying and curating resources makes using OER much simpler and easier.
Thank you Prof. Pabon for sharing your story!
