This webinar is part of the OLC Innovate 2025 Best-in-Track webinar series!
The HBCU Affordable Learning Community has been building the organizational, programmatic, and technical foundation for its Affordable Learning Solutions program for all HBCUs. A network of HBCUs has been institutionalizing the Affordable Learning Solutions strategies, modeled after the programs developed by the California State University, MERLOT, and Skills Common, which are internationally recognized for providing access to free and open educational resources to millions of faculties, staff, students, and the broader education and workforce communities.
The overview presentation and discussion will review our strategies for supporting and institutionalizing an “Open Culture” that goes beyond the faculty who uses OER. Open Culture is reflected in shared governance between all university stakeholders, policies that enable open practices to persist as university personnel change, transparency, and communication in administrative, academic, business affairs, and student affairs decisions. We will look at how HBCUs participating in the Affordable Learning Solutions program have begun an open culture strategy.
In partnership with the HBCUs, MERLOT-Skills Commons has designed an open portal (http://hbcuals.org) that provides easy access to:
- The largest collection of free and open e-textbooks, open courseware, open-access journals, open learning objectives, and more
- A “cultural collection” of free and open educational resources focused on content that will enhance the relevance of learning for underrepresented groups. The collection includes resources related to the histories of HBCUs and underrepresented groups contributions and frameworks across a variety of disciplines
- Over 50 general educational courses with multiple free and open e-textbooks aligned with the course curriculum
Please Note: While attending the webinar live is free for OLC members and non-members, on-demand recordings will be available post-webinar for Professional and Institutional Members only. Consider becoming an OLC member for access to these and many other great benefits!
Speaker Bio
Quinetta Crawford-Bartley, Ed.D.
Director of Faculty Training/OER/SMART Technology – Tennessee State University
Dr. Quinetta Crawford-Bartley is a proud three-time alum and current Director of Faculty Training/Open Educational Resources (OER)/SMART Technology at Tennessee State University. After serving as the Deputy Fire Marshal for the Nashville Fire Department for 28 years, she returned to her alma mater to orchestrate events, harness the power of SMART technology, and shape the minds of brilliant students through the use of OER. She is a passionate advocate for education and technology and believes every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Under her leadership, the Faculty Training/Open Educational Resources (OER)/SMART Technology department has become a hub of innovation and collaboration, supporting faculty development, enhancing student learning, and promoting the use of OER and technology in the classroom. Dr. Crawford-Bartley is a role model for students and faculty alike, and a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and dedication.
Chasitie Goodman
Executive Director of HBCU C2 – Tennessee State University
A visionary educator and tech enthusiast, Chasitie Goodman brings over 12 years of transformative experience to the forefront of educational innovation. As the Executive Director of HBCU C2 at Tennessee State University, she spearheads cutting-edge initiatives in coding and creation, while her diverse background spans K-12 and higher education, including roles as an Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, and University Professor. Committed to student-centered, socially aware, and anti-racist education, this Afrofuturist thinker seamlessly blends classroom wisdom with EdTech ingenuity. Ms. Goodman’s approach creates inclusive learning environments where technology meets compassion, fostering spaces that celebrate diversity and prepare students for an innovative, tech-driven future. With a passion for curriculum development, community empowerment, and global education, she continues to shape the next generation of learners and leaders.