Title

The truly free textbook

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Publication Title

EDUCAUSE Review

Department

Mathematics and Computer Science

Abstract

In this article, the author shares his experience when he converted his linear algebra course notes into an open-source textbook. This textbook began, in large measure, as a demonstration project to answer the following questions: (1) Could an individual, simply as a content expert, use computers and networks for the creation and distribution of a textbook?; (2) Could a free textbook still generate financial return?; (3) Would others use, and contribute to, an open-content textbook? The answer to all of these questions has been yes. As a result of his experience, he expects that other authors' frustration with the textbook industry will lead to similar efforts to create quality textbooks, provided directly to students with generous licenses that are more expansive than what copyright allows.

ISSN

1527-6619

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