AFFORDABLE LEARNING SOLUTIONS
Mr. Dean Ramser teaches English 108 Freshman Composition 1: Stretch 1 Basic Writing Skills emphasizing exposition and textual analysis. First part of a two-term sequence. Estimated student enrollment is 14 encompassing primarily 18-19 year olds. Student textbook savings range from $90-$130. Mr. Ramser is part of the CSUDH COOL4ED grant project to adopt open textbooks; “Rhetoric and Composition: A Guide for the College Writer” available as an online open textbook and PDF from Merlot II website; and Writing for Success open source textbook from Saylor.org available online and PDF. Amongst the numerous open source materials he uses, Mr. Ramser is a participant of WriteLab, a beta software program which analyzes prose to deliver customized feedback for students to become a better writer. Students revise and learn from their revisions. In addition to cost savings he shares, “The greatest achievement experienced is moving the discussion from classroom to a virtual space. This is important because so much of our information is no longer delivered face-to-face. A lot of what we do is internet based.”
“As colleges and the community try to redefine what college readiness is, we need to explore alternative methodologies and modalities for teaching.”
- Mr. Dean Ramser
search through a lot of textbook pages. Instead, he can sit in front of the computer, research, and write his essay all online using the WriteLab. “WriteLab is very good. It is helping me with my essay.”
Lisette Arroyo, Freshman, Undeclared Major in English 108 was asked, “How do you like the WriteLab online resource?” Lisette said, “I really like it because it just improves my own writing; and how I can improve in the future for research.”
Thomas Lam, Freshman, Radiology Tech Major in English 108 was asked, “What is your benefit about having open resources?” He stated, “It saved me a lot of money!” Thomas is happy he does not need to
Thomas Lam
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