Z Degree

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by MaceWindu, Apr 10, 2024.

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  1. MaceWindu

    MaceWindu Active Member

    Z-degree.
    https://ctl.mesacc.edu/teaching/z-degree/

    Some other schools that participate in a Z degree. Austin Community College. Houston Community College. Mesa Community College. Minnesota State.

    “The Z Degree or “Zero-Textbook-Cost Degree” is exactly what it sounds like — Students are able to complete an Associates degree from MCC without paying for textbooks. The classes included in this degree leverage Open Educational Resources, library databases, and faculty-developed content to forgo the need to require expensive textbooks and publisher materials. Currently, we are only funding the development of online courses; however, if the content that is curated/developed is used in another modality, the course can be can be labeled a Z Course.”
     
  2. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Just about any school could do this. But the huge textbook publishers' industry makes sure they AND schools can make a profit on textbooks - and many schools are just not willing to forgo this income.

    I remember at least one occasion when a textbook cost more than the college course tuition! (Winter 1986-87 - Abnormal Psychology.)

    Closest to a Z-course I got back then was Economics,at university, night school, around 1995. Professor said "You don't have to buy the textbook. Buy the term notes for $8.50 (which she had written). Everything on all exams is covered in there."

    I don't think anybody in the class bought the textbook. And the professor was true to her promise.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2024
  3. tadj

    tadj Well-Known Member

    Oh, good. Based on the symbol, it could have been a degree that was introduced during the Russian "special military operation." What a relief!
     
    Mac Juli likes this.
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    A Doctor of Inhumane Letters awarded posthumously to Russian soldiers?
     
    tadj likes this.
  5. Tireman 44444

    Tireman 44444 Well-Known Member

    Yes, we (Houston Community College) do. It seems to be working
     
    Suss, Johann and MaceWindu like this.
  6. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I taught for a school in an MBA program where each course designer had to create a highly structured course based on open-source materials. It was a royal pain. I taught the course I designed twice, then let the school know I would never teach it again. It felt like junk. The program died, by the way. Good riddance.
     
    MasterChief likes this.
  7. MasterChief

    MasterChief Member

    I remember when PDF’s were marketed as a cheaper solution than overpriced textbooks. In a sense, they were giving rise to piracy.
     
  8. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Arr, matey, they sartinly were! I'd bet me eyepatch on that! :)
     
    MasterChief likes this.
  9. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    And I've got me sea-chest full o'downloads t' prove it! :)
     

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