Affordable Learning PA named Crystal Machado, Department of Professional Studies in Education, as a 2021–22 Affordable Learning Champion! This honor recognizes faculty, librarians, instructional designers, students, and staff who promote or support open and affordable learning.
Machado has championed the use of Open Educational Resources for over a decade. Most of her 30-plus undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses are zero-cost or low-cost for students; many use OER. She believes that in addition to making learning affordable, OER and Open Pedagogy enhance learners’ digital, media, and global literacy skills and prepare them for digital citizenship.
Beyond her own courses, she has used her service on the College of Education and Communications Technology Committee to advocate for professional development for all faculty and has planned and coordinated more than 40 workshops and information sessions designed to promote awareness of OER materials and Open Pedagogy on her campus.
A detailed description of this honor may be found on the Affordable Learning Champions website.