Rachel Becker is the Copyright and Open Educational Resources Librarian at Madison Area Technical College where she provides research, technology, and general assistance to the college’s students through innovative library services. Additionally, she supports faculty OER development by leading the library’s Open Educational Resources team, co-chairing the collegewide Textbook Affordability Committee, and providing copyright guidance for faculty and students. Rachel also develops and presents online workshops on OER, Creative Commons and other related topics to attendees from across North America. Her passion for textbook affordability advocacy grew out of a strong desire to see students succeed without financial barriers. Rachel holds a Bachelor’s in History/Political Science and Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Madison College. Her professional interests include enhancing technology literacy and access through open resource development and building diversity and accessibility into OER.
Rachel’s capstone project is an open course developed in Canvas titled, “Open Educational Resources 101 – Madison College.” Across several modules, students learn about Open Educational Resources (OER) fundamentals through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. Building OER into the college curriculum as an equity issue is represented throughout, with a module specifically focused on the topic. Upon completion, students can earn a digital badge. The course is also a resource for anyone looking for information on the connection between OER and DEI as well as a place to find useful and practical tools for resource evaluation. A featured tool is the OER Worksheet and instructional video. The worksheet is an easy guide to locating OER and the video provides helpful tips on using it. All components may be remixed, including the Canvas course.
