Spotlight on OER ‘Mathematical Reasoning and Investigation’ – podcast featuring co-authoring team out now
The Library is very pleased to announce the release of its latest podcast episode, Simon James, Chris Rawson, and Erin Cheffers’ OER Story: Mathematical Reasoning and Investigation. This episode features Open Educational Resource (OER) co-authors Simon James (SEBE) and Chris Rawson (Library), with illustrator Erin Cheffers.
In this episode, Simon, Chris, and Erin join Stories of Openness host Lauren Halcomb-Smith to share their stories about creating an OER, how Erin’s illustrations shaped the book, and how the book is changing the way they think about teaching, learning, and unit resources. In reflecting on the impact the experience has had on his professional practice, co-author Chris shares:
This was a genuinely transformational process of learning for me.
Simon and Chris are the authors of OER Mathematical Reasoning and Investigation, which was published in 2023. Mathematical Reasoning and Investigation was designed for people who think they’re not good at mathematics. The book features illustrations by graphics designer Erin Cheffeers, who designed the book’s graphics to support and enhance readers’ experiences.
Simon James is an Associate Professor in Mathematics in Deakin’s Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Built Environment and has been recognised with a Deakin University Award for Excellence in Teaching for his work with undergraduate mathematics students. Chris Rawson was, at the time of writing the textbook, a Senior Educational Designer for Deakin with a background in learning design and librarianship. Chris now works in the Deakin Library as a Scholarly Services Librarian. At the time of writing the textbook, Erin was a student of Design and Visual Communication and was a part of the project via Deakin’s Students as Partners program.
We celebrate Simon, Chris, and Erin’s contribution in creating this OER and sharing it with the world. We especially appreciate their willingness to openly license the resource, and to share their stories with us through the Stories of Openness podcast. We invite you to explore Mathematical Reasoning and Investigation and share your thoughts and feedback with the authors.
Access the OER via Deakin Open eBooks: Mathematical Reasoning and Investigation
Stories of Openness is a limited-series podcast and research project that features conversations with Deakin academics who have created open textbooks and other Open Educational Resources (OER). The show is hosted by Lauren Halcomb-Smith.
Open Ed News is a regular publication from Deakin Library, publishing Open Education-related news for the Deakin academic community and the broader Open Education community. To stay in the loop, please subscribe to Article. To access Open Education services, please navigate to Open Education via the Deakin Library website. You can also get in touch with us at:
- Contact your librarian for support with OER searching and discovery
- Contact the Open Education team about your OER project