OpenEd20

The nature of college course materials has changed dramatically over the past decade, from print to digital - but that’s nothing compared to the transition to remote learning in 2020. As of the end of August, less than a quarter of institutions will be fully or partially in-person, with even those places scrapping plans as case counts rise. This new normal and uncertainty of the higher ed landscape comes with unique challenges, and open advocates and commercial publishers see a make-or-break opportunity for widespread adoption of their preferred materials as faculty and schools shift to this remote learning environment.

Over the past few months, college textbook publishers have engaged in a massive marketing push to sell institutions on the idea of “inclusive access-” adding an automatic charge for digital delivery of access codes to each students’ tuition bill. The pressures of COVID-19 on institutions and the need for cheaper, ready-to-use digital materials is apparent - but are these partnerships to increase access code sales really in students’ best interest?

A panel of issue experts and on-the-ground open advocates will talk about the basics on this new billing model, the fine print that is in these partnerships, and problems with implementation that further harm student and faculty choice found by the recent USPIRG study Automatic Textbook Billing. Furthermore, panelists will share their successes and steps taken to slow automatic billing programs on R1, regional public, private, and community college campuses - and talk frankly about their setbacks in light of COVID-19. The session will end with best practices on how to respond to common questions on automatic billing, and audience Q&A.

Learning Outcomes:
Attendees will leave the session with an understanding of what automatic textbook billing is, specific concerns with the model before and during COVID-19, and how others across the country have effectively mobilized to limit the negative impact it has on local students and faculty. Attendees will come away with case studies, best practices, and actionable steps to take to reshape textbook affordability programs to better meet community needs.