Gone are the days when only a research paper, oral presentation, and final exam represent student learning in a course. Now more than ever, we expect students to be creators of content, not just consumers (and regurgitaters) of it. They produce an impressive array of work, much of which is available on the open web – Wordpress sites, films, undergraduate journals, Omeka digital projects, traditional papers and posters shared in The Cupola, and more. Some of their raw materials are open, but many are proprietary or protected by copyright. Students typically understand how open materials benefit them as readers (see this SURGE blog post for a student perspective), but the responsibilities of creators are often new to them. How can we as teachers ensure that students understand those responsibilities as they incorporate the work of others into their own learning? How can we be sure that students understand their own rights as authors (whose work might be incorporated by others)?

Faculty members Divonna Stebick (Assistant Professor of Education), Jill Titus (Associate Director of the Civil War Institute), and Jeffery Williams (Video Production Instructor) will talk about the rewards and challenges of making student work more open. Come discuss opportunities and ideas for your assignments. This special “In the classroom” discussion is sponsored by the Johnson Center for Creative Teaching and Learning. This will be the last chance to enjoy OPEN ACCESS COOKIES during Open Access Week!