The LT program is thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative under the Partnership for Affordable Learning Materials (PALM) program! ?
Dr. Heinsfeld is leading the full redesign of CI 1871: Computer Literacy and Problem Solving, an essential online course that supports CEHD students—especially those in the social sciences and business fields. With approximately 80 students enrolled each semester across three sections, CI 1871 plays a critical role in developing applied digital skills for solving real-world problems.
One of the most transformative aspects of this redesign is the development of an open, multimedia-enhanced textbook to replace the traditional commercial textbook. Built around instructional design best practices and OER-enabled pedagogy, the new resource will be:
- Free and accessible to all students ?
- Rich in multimedia, including videos, case studies, and interactive exercises ??
- Designed to be experiential, helping learners build hands-on, critical problem-solving skills ??
The project embraces a collaborative, student-centered approach that encourages learners to engage more deeply, think critically, and take ownership of their learning.
We’re excited for the potential of this initiative to lower barriers to learning, enhance academic equity, and offer a scalable model for integrating OER and instructional design into higher education.
? Want to learn more about the PALM initiative? Visit the UMN Libraries PALM guide.
Stay tuned for updates as we build and launch this groundbreaking resource!