2026-27 winners of the Staebler Insurance OER Fellows Grant

Four new projects have received a 2026-27 Staebler Insurance OER Fellows Grant from the Libraries. The program provides $5,000 grants to instructors developing or adapting open educational resources (OER) for use in University of Waterloo courses. These resources help increase access to education by reducing costs and improving the availability of high-quality learning materials for students. 

Interactive web-based learning module: Analysing systems

Dr. Christopher Taylor, professor in the Department of History and associate vice-president, equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, is creating an interactive online module to support ARTS 160 and other Arts First courses. The resource will introduce first- and second-year students to interdisciplinary approaches to systems, drawing from history, cultural theory, political economy, anthropology, communication studies and philosophy.

Video case series for teaching complex geriatric care

Dr. Feng Chang, professor in the School of Pharmacy, is developing a series of video case studies that show the patient care skills used to support older adults with complex needs. The videos will cover topics such as physical assessments, communication techniques, and conducting medication reviews. These practical demonstrations enhance learning in ways lectures alone cannot.

Pharmacy Check-In Toolkit

Dr. Nardine Nakhla, professor in the School of Pharmacy, is adapting the Check-In Activity Toolkit into a comprehensive Pressbooks resource to help support health-professional programs across different institutions and disciplines. Refined through six offerings at Waterloo, the open toolkit will include student guides, facilitator training materials, evaluation tools and implementation recommendations.

Mathematical methods for data science: An open interactive textbook

Dr. Roberto Guglielmi, professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics, is expanding lecture notes and practice materials into an open, interactive digital textbook. The resource will combine clear mathematical explanations with hands-on Python exercises and short videos to help students learn how mathematical tools are used in data science.

All projects are set to be completed by May 1, 2027. This program is supported by a generous gift from Staebler Insurance. Learn more about the Staebler Insurance OER Fellows Grant on the Libraries website.