Lower Division Courses and Math 110B: Calculus and Modern Algebra II

ZCCM • Hurdles • Appreciation

First Impressions

I have used a number of affordable solutions for students in my classes over the years. Notably, together with two other faculty on campus I've helped create and run an free for students and faculty online homework platform called WeBWorK. However, this platform is not connected to Canvas which creates large problems.

Benefits & Challenges

Benefits/Challenges/Discoveries
Benefits of AL$/OERs	Challenges of AL$/OERs	Discoveries
Students love them. Instructors can tailor their problems. Can have department "Problem Bank."	Working with stakeholders to get things approved. This has been going on for over 6 months with little progress from the relevant parties outside of my college.	I've learned that there aren't a lot of resources in place for larger faculty driven projects like this. I've learned that there is resistance to affordable solutions in learning.

Pathway:

My large pathway was 'create.' However, I also chose 'adapt' for another class, as I realized my big project would be difficult and slow.

Reflection on Resources:

The best resources I found were other faculty in my department and at other CSU's, two critical people in IRT, and some Wikis online about the topic. Otherwise, there isn't a lot out there for this material.

Course Materials
*Before*	*After*
Calculus: I've had WebWorK working for a number of years now. Students LOVE it. Math 110b: I had notes I had written for my class before, but they were in need of editing.	Calculus: The same, sadly. I have worked tirelessly and have been approved to create a new server. But am still waiting for the red tape to clear.... Math 110b: My notes have been updated and were used throughout the semester in a ZCCM.

Student Survey Data

Results
Data Point #1	Data Point #2	Data Point #3
Student survey of WeBWorK.	"I like it better" 51/63 respondents stated WeBWorK is better than other platforms they have used. "...nice if it showed you the steps..." After receiving data such as this, I was able to begin coding solutions and hints for problems for future students.	WeBWorK to date has saved an estimated $180,000-$200,000 for students since 2018. This data was estimated based on how many sections have been ran on WeBWorK with an estimate on number of students in each section. We also used a $70 cost for other platforms.

Recommendations & Advice

Definitely implement something. Students are very appreciative of these efforts and the lower costs.

Faculty Biography

Faculty Bio
	I am an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. I love teaching mathematics, and largely due to the collaborative nature of the struggle and the chalk boards! My current goal is to learn ways to transfer these aspects into the virtual classroom.

**Program Sponsors**
	This work was supported by: Sacramento State Academic Affairs - Center for Teaching and Learning California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program & SB 1359