We’re winding down quite a memorable year in edtech. From massive online courses to free digital textbooks, education underwent some huge changes in 2012. See which three trends we’re most excited about below.

Open Textbooks

With a 812% increase in the price of college textbooks since 1978, it’s no wonder students and educators are searching for more affordable alternatives to learning. Openly licensed materials, like articles, videos, essays, and more, available online has made the prospect of affordable learning a reality for more people. When compiled in digital textbook form, Open Educational Resources (OER) provide the best means for students, educators, and self learners anywhere to expand their knowledge on everything from astronomy to music to zoology.

This year, California Governor Jerry Brown signed two bills that will allow for the creation of free, openly licensed digital textbooks for 50 of the most popular lower-division courses offered by the state’s colleges. As California embraces the wide world of open textbooks, other states, institutions  and companies are also expanding the reach of OER in education. Boundless, for example, created free textbook alternatives for popular college intro classes, like biology, American history, and business. Read more »