The goal of the book is to connect students’ experiences to writing
The textbook was developed by Dr. Mary Lamb, the Chair of the Department of English at Clayton State, along with other faculty and student collaborators. The book aims to help students improve their writing skills by connecting their personal experiences, communities, classes, and the world to various writing genres and topics.
Dr. Lamb said that the book was first published in 2010 as a custom textbook for English 1101 and 1102 classes at Clayton State, to save students money and to include their voices in the content and publishing process. A new edition has been published every year since then, featuring over 175 student essays, cover art, and editorial work.
The book is now an open educational resource (OER)
In 2021, the Clayton State team received a USG Affordable Learning Grant to revise the book into an open educational resource (OER), which means that it is freely available online for anyone to use, adapt, and share. The book is now published on the USG’s ALG website, where it can be accessed by students and instructors across the state and beyond.
In 2023, eCore selected “Connections” for its English 1101 course revision, making it the official textbook for all sections of the online course. This means that thousands of students in Georgia will benefit from the book’s engaging and relevant content, without having to pay for it.
The book is a testament to the strength of Clayton State’s faculty and students
Dr. Lamb expressed her gratitude and pride for the faculty and student contributors who made the book possible. She also thanked Jim Rickerson from the university library, who helped with the OER conversion and publication. She said that the book is a testament to the strength of Clayton State’s faculty and students, and their commitment to making a difference in education and society.
“What we wrote matters,” Lamb said. “It’s working for people, and it’s being read widely. I know that we’re making a difference and it’s an excellent testament to the strength of our faculty and students.”
