August 02, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS — Andrea Bearman, director of instructional design and development in
Trine University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies (TrineOnline), was
one of 10 faculty members recently named by the Private Academic Library Network of
Indiana (PALNI) as recipients of the PALSave Open Educator Award for the 2021-22 academic
year.
The award recognizes innovation and excellence in support of higher education, textbook affordability and student success.
“I use open educational resources (OER) because I believe in the benefit for students,” she said. “As faculty, we want content that meets the needs of our students; therefore, we are the perfect people to create textbooks. My hope is to continue to inspire more faculty to consider using existing OER materials, but also to encourage more faculty to develop their own content as well.”
As part of the PALSave: PALNI Affordable Learning Program, these individuals have been key players in the creation and adoption of OER, a move that reduces costs for students, improves access to required texts, and increases student success and retention.
“This year’s Open Educator Award recipients have gone above and beyond to help advance student access, which is what OER is all about,” says Amanda Hurford, PALNI’s Scholarly Communications Director and PALSave project lead. “With every single one of PALNI’s 24 supported institutions participating in PALSave, faculty are making a genuine impact on students’ ability to earn a degree. They have built a community of champions for affordable learning, and we’re excited to see their efforts benefit students now and well into the future.”
Other Open Educator Award honorees were:
When their son Parker received his diploma from Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., at this year’s May Commencement, it was a full-circle moment for Stephen and Brooke Pelletier.
Golfers and sponsors at Trine University’s 36th annual Alumni and Friends Golf Outing contributed a record amount for student scholarships, raising $115,000 at the Aug. 7 event.
It may sound like all fun and games, but two Trine University faculty members gave academic presentations during North America’s largest board gaming convention.