Do you ever feel like you’re working on a million tasks at once, but not making progress on any of them? As an academic, it’s likely that you are juggling multiple commitments and projects. Even the most determined of us can find ourselves overwhelmed at the scope of our responsibilities. If you find yourself struggling to keep track of your writing amidst all your other professional obligations, you’ll want to join us Thursday, November 9 from 3-4 p.m. ET for the TAA webinar, “The Academic Juggle: Managing Your Writing in a World of Commitments”, presented by Jane Dr. Jane Jones, academic editor and productivity coach at Up In Consulting.
Open educational resources or traditional textbooks?
3 experts weigh in
An August 15, 2017 article in the Lansing State Journal, “LCC takes aim at pricey textbooks, offers free course materials”, shared a decision by Lansing Community College to offer students freely available open educational resources (OER) rather than traditional textbooks during the fall 2017 semester. Sixty-four professors in 24 courses will be taking part in the initiative.
The decision to use OER materials, said Regina Gong, a librarian and open educational resources project manager at LCC, was based on the College’s desire to reduce the “cost for incoming students who have to take introductory courses before moving on to higher end classes.”
In a recent discussion about the article in TAA’s LinkedIn group, three experts weighed in on LCC’s OER initiative, answering the question: “How many of you are working at schools considering or adopting this model? Thoughts?”
Promote Your Scholarship via Podcasting
TAA webinar 11/6 & 13
Podcasting is becoming an increasingly popular method of sharing content, but many authors don’t know how to get started. Join us Monday, November 6 & 13 from 3-4 p.m. ET for “Promoting Your Scholarship via Podcasting (It’s Easier Than You Think!)”, a two-part webinar series facilitated by book author and podcaster Katie Linder. You’ll learn about the tools you need to launch a podcast as well as tips and strategies for how to promote your work through this creative medium.
Member Spotlight: Dr. Olga Zbarskaya
TAA member Dr. Olga Zbarskaya, OZCREDO President, is both a textbook and academic author. Her most recent publications include Brainstorm!: Practice for Unrestricted Imagination and Original Thought and Mind Booster Art.
What are you currently working on?
I just finished the children’s book/textbook on creative thinking Unbelievable Adventures of Dr. Credo. Parents and educators alike will appreciate this book for the way it creates a fun learning experience involving technology, astrology, physics, and even psychology, making it an ideal complement to many school lessons and a great addition to classroom libraries. I also founded OZCREDO: Center for Creative Thinking and Unlimited Possibilities, a consulting company that provides comprehensive tools, training, workshops, and coaching on creative decision-making and problem solving.
Learn how to design a web presence for your book – TAA webinar Part 2 – 10/17
Your book’s website is the only tool that works around the clock to promote your book, but sometimes the web presence provided by a publisher is… underwhelming. Join us Tuesday, October 10 & 17 from 3-4 p.m. ET for “Designing a Web Presence for Your Book (Beyond the Publisher’s Website)”, a two-part webinar series facilitated by book author Katie Linder, you’ll learn how to create a web presence for your book that highlights its key features, bonus materials, purchasing options, and more.
Apply for an academic or textbook writing grant from TAA
TAA offers two forms of grants to assist members and non-members with some of the expenses related to publishing their academic works and textbooks.
Publication Grants provide reimbursement for eligible expenses directly related to bringing an academic book, textbook, or journal article to publication. Contract Review Grants reimburse eligible expenses for legal review when you have a contract offer for a textbook or academic monograph or other scholarly work that includes royalty arrangements. The application deadline is October 31.