News release
The impact of College of the Canyons on the expansion of open educational resources is highlighted in a newly published book, “Sowing the Seeds of a Global Movement: Stories from California Trailblazers of Open Education,” the college announced in a news release.
Authored by OER trailblazer Barbara Illowsky, the book offers a firsthand account of the movement’s growth, tracing how collaboration among educators, policymakers and advocates helped drive widespread adoption across higher education — particularly in California, the release said.
Through a series of interviews, the publication spotlights the individuals and partnerships that laid the groundwork for zero textbook cost pathways, which aim to reduce financial barriers and improve student access to course materials.
“This book is more than a history; it serves as a roadmap for the future of education as a public good,” James Glapa-Grossklag, dean of educational technology, learning resources and distance learning at COC, said in the release.
Glapa-Grossklag, who is among those featured in the book, added, “By documenting the experiences of those who helped bring OER into the mainstream, it supports ongoing efforts to expand equitable access to knowledge.”
Featured contributors include Cathy Casserly, Una Daly, Gerry Hanley, Martha Kanter, Gary K. Michelson, Lisa Petrides and Hal Plotkin, among others.
The book arrives as colleges and universities nationwide continue seeking solutions to reduce the cost of attendance and improve student success. It highlights California’s leadership in advancing OER and underscores the importance of coordinated, systemwide efforts in expanding access to affordable education.
At COC, free OER textbooks are used instead of commercial textbooks in hundreds of courses, saving students more than $5 million in textbook costs last year, the release said. During the spring 2026 semester, students can find 644 class sections that use OER materials instead of commercial textbooks.
“Sowing the Seeds of a Global Movement” is available to read online for free via Pressbooks.
