Quarter Report - April 2024
First Quarter Update – April 2024
January – March
The first official quarter of the WisTech Open projects has come and gone—just like our short winter! Textbooks are progressing at different stages, with some nearing completion and others beginning to take shape. This quarter was foundational, focused on infrastructure development, onboarding editors, and preparing for the major work ahead. Below are general updates and textbook-specific progress summaries. To get involved, visit www.cvtc.edu/WisTech.
General Updates
- 👥 Project team members identified and onboarded
- 🌐 WisTech Open roles & expectations page launched
- 🎨 Branding and marketing materials developed
- 📢 Public webpage released for information and project sign-up
- 📝 Writing workshop held for editors, hosted by OpenStax
- 🏛️ Attended MHEC OER Summit; co-planning a Wisconsin higher ed strategic OER event
- 🔍 Consultations began for future projects: Anatomy & Physiology and Grant-Writing
- 🎓 Three OER 101 cohorts delivered with 71 graduates
- 📄 Drafted sustainability plan for post-grant operations
- 🎤 Presented on finding OER at the Online Learning Summit
- 🧭 Redesigned the WisTech Open catalog landing page
- 🖨️ XanEdu exited the print market; a new print partner is being pursued
Textbook Updates
Blueprint Reading
Initial content on terminology and abbreviations is in progress. Assessments have been developed. Submitted by Mark Lorier, Editor
Digital Literacy for Healthcare
About 60% of chapters submitted, covering key topics like EHR, cybersecurity, and Microsoft Office. Fall 2024 release planned. Submitted by Brigitte Niedzwiecki, Editor
Early Childhood Education
Curriculum development underway. Advisory committee consultation set for April. Work on OER writing to begin post-May. H5P activities in development. Submitted by Amanda Dohms, Editor
Medical Terminology (2e)
Revised from peer feedback. Peer review in March; Spring 2024 pilot at CVTC. View the Text. Submitted by Kim Ernstmeyer, Editor
Nursing Health Alterations
All 15 chapters reviewed. WTCS Peer Review scheduled for May; August 2024 release planned. NGN-style questions funded by the Next Gen RN grant. Submitted by Kim Ernstmeyer, Editor
Nursing Health Promotion
Will replace Maternal Child texts in 3 courses. First 5 chapters near completion. Next Gen RN funds supporting development of NGN-style questions. Submitted by Kim Ernstmeyer, Editor
Nursing Fundamentals (2e)
Content updated based on 2023 NCLEX-RN and curriculum feedback. Revisions shared in Spring; implementation in progress. Available for students by August 2024. Submitted by Kim Ernstmeyer, Editor
Nursing Management (2e)
Glossary created; industry expert added for case study writing. Revisions planned for Summer/Fall 2024 with a Jan 2025 release goal. Submitted by Kim Ernstmeyer, Editor
Nursing Mental Health (2e)
Glossary in development. NCLEX-style questions previously added. Survey and updates planned for Fall 2024. Second edition due June 2025. Submitted by Kim Ernstmeyer, Editor
Respiratory Therapy
Chapters on airway management, history, safety, and assessments drafted. H5P activities created. Five chapters compiled in Google Docs. Submitted by Kirsten Holbrook, Editor
