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Fitchburg State University
The Data Renaissance: Analyzing the Disciplinary Effects of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Beyond [Revised Edition] book cover

The Data Renaissance: Analyzing the Disciplinary Effects of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Beyond [Revised Edition]

CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike)  3 H5P Activities    English

Author(s): J.J. Sylvia IV

Editor(s): J.J. Sylvia IV

Subject(s): Data science and analysis: general, E-commerce: business aspects, Digital and information technologies: social and ethical aspects, Data capture and analysis, Data mining, Artificial intelligence

Institution(s): Fitchburg State University

Publisher: ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project

Last updated: 04/10/2024

The Data Renaissance  is a comprehensive exploration into the pivotal role of data in shaping our contemporary society. This book, a collaborative effort with significant student involvement under expert guidance, delves into the intricate and often opaque world of data practices across various industries. With a focus on the guarded nature of these practices, as exemplified by platforms like TikTok, it offers a rare glimpse into the mechanics behind the algorithms that drive user engagement and business success.

The book is designed to function as a living document, changing and growing with every iteration of the course it is meant to accompany. With the quick advancements in the world of digital data, this dynamic method guarantees that the content is current and relevant. It is a helpful tool for teachers and students alike since it is more than just a list of facts and theories—rather, it is a guide filled with real-world knowledge and experiences.

Central to the book’s narrative is the exploration of how data is wielded and its profound implications across different disciplines. It addresses the challenges inherent in studying data practices, especially when these practices are closely guarded as proprietary secrets by corporations and businesses. The ethical ramifications of these acts are critically examined throughout the book, especially in light of contemporary digital platforms and technologies.

Further, the text takes a deep dive into the practical applications and implications of data in various domains. From the influence of data on consumer behavior and business strategies to its role in shaping public opinion and social dynamics, the book covers a broad spectrum of topics. It goes beyond mere theoretical discussion, offering practical insights and real-life examples that illustrate the pervasive impact of data on our daily lives.

In summary, anyone wishing to comprehend the intricate relationship between data, industry, and society should read this book. It is a useful tool for both individual study and classroom instruction since it provides fundamental insights that can inspire more research and conversation. By presenting a nuanced view of the digital data landscape, the book encourages readers to critically engage with the topic and consider the far-reaching implications of data in our interconnected world.

Biological Psychology [Revised Edition] book cover

Biological Psychology [Revised Edition]

CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike)   English (Canada)

Author(s): Michael Hove, Steven A. Martinez

Subject(s): Physiological and neuro-psychology, biopsychology, Psychology of ageing, Physiological and neuro-psychology, biopsychology, Psychopharmacology, Genetics (non-medical), Cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, Human biology

Institution(s): Fitchburg State University

Publisher: ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project

Last updated: 04/10/2024

Biological psychology is the study of the biological bases of behavior and mental processes. It explores how biological factors like genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain structures influence psychological components like thoughts, emotions, memories, and actions. This free and open textbook provides a wide ranging and up-to-date introduction to the main topics and methods of biological psychology. It starts by covering foundations of biological psychology (brain anatomy, neurons, research methods), continues to higher-level topics that link biology and psychology (how drugs and hormones affect the brain and behavior; brain development; genetics; and emotions) and concludes with neural and behavioral differences associated with brain damage, neurological diseases, and psychological disorders.

Why Do I Have to Take This Course? [Revised Edition] book cover

Why Do I Have to Take This Course? [Revised Edition]

CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike)   English

Author(s): Kisha G. Tracy

Subject(s): Educational: General studies, educational skills and competencies

Institution(s): Fitchburg State University

Publisher: ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project

Last updated: 03/10/2024

Why Do I Have to Take This Course? A Guide to General Education developed out of many years of thinking about general education courses and curriculums. We, as university personnel, do not always succeed in explaining why we have certain requirements. Even though these courses make up a significant percentage of our college careers, there is not often time set aside to talk about general education and explore its purpose and goals. When we do not know the reason why we are doing something, it can sometimes lead to apathy and even resentment. Once we have an idea of the purpose, then we can start to appreciate and learn. It is worthwhile to spend some time thinking about these purposes, both “official” and personal ones, in order to maximize student learning.

This textbook helps students systematically study how general education requirements are developed, their history, post-graduation value, etc. It emphasizes exploration of the significance of individual learning outcomes, especially through the lens of John Lewis’ philosophy of “good, necessary trouble.” For instructors adopting this book, it is designed to assign in its entirety or in parts as instructors can choose to emphasize relevant learning outcomes. It is also designed for use by advisors, especially with advisees who express concerns over taking certain requirements.

Heritages of Change: Curatorial Activism and First-Year Writing [Revised Edition] book cover

Heritages of Change: Curatorial Activism and First-Year Writing [Revised Edition]

CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike)  9 H5P Activities    English

Author(s): Kisha G. Tracy

Subject(s): Cross-cultural / Intercultural studies and topics, Creative writing and creative writing guides, Teaching of reading, writing and numeracy, History and Archaeology

Institution(s): Fitchburg State University

Publisher: ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project

Last updated: 16/09/2024

Maura Reilly defines curatorial activism as “the practice of organizing art exhibitions with the principle aim of ensuring that certain constituencies of artists are no longer ghettoized or excluded from the master narratives of art.” We can expand that definition to include not only “art” but also “cultural heritage” more broadly. When first-year writing students engage in curatorial activism, they directly address marginalization and related issues, giving them an opportunity to explore not only the heritage of these issues but their own stances, experiences, and beliefs while also delving into curation and exhibit-making. More importantly, this approach emphasizes how writing can address those issues and seek to rectify exclusions from cultural heritage spaces. Students can begin to understand the impact that their writing can have on others and what they can convey when they write both effectively and passionately.

This textbook, Heritages of Change: Curatorial Activism and First-Year Writing, includes principles of writing and information literacy through the lenses of curatorial activism, cultural heritage, and curation/exhibition. Heritage topics that students are introduced to include (but are not limited to): anti-racism, #MeToo, indigenous peoples, women/gender/LGBTQIA+, climate change, etc. They gain a broader understanding of cultural heritage and heritages of change, particularly disability heritage, in general in order to apply the concepts through their writing. This textbook presents these topics, but more specifically how to communicate about and research them.

The Basics of Health, Wellness, and Fitness book cover

The Basics of Health, Wellness, and Fitness

CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike)   English

Author(s): Jessica Alsup

Subject(s): Fitness and diet

Institution(s): Fitchburg State University

Publisher: ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project

Last updated: 30/08/2024

This book is written for anyone who could benefit from learning more about health, wellness, and fitness. Throughout the text, readers will learn about health and wellness, setting goals, physical activity and exercise, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility, nutrition, stress management, as well as self-care and sleep. In addition to providing important information about the above topics, the text also includes self-assessment assignments and self-reflection opportunities. These components allow readers to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and utilize the information given in the chapter to determine any further course of action they would like to make.

Health, wellness, and fitness are important for everyone. This text, while applicable to all individuals from high level athletes, to non-athletes, was written with the aim to focus primarily on the latter and demonstrate how we can all make improvements, whether those be around physical activity, exercise, fitness, nutrition, self care, or sleep. Small changes over time can lead anyone in the direction of greater wellness. We are all dealt different hands in life, and we all have our history and our own experiences, but one thing we all have in common is that we can start now from wherever we are and make small changes to improve our health, wellness, and fitness.

Introduction to Communication and Media Studies book cover

Introduction to Communication and Media Studies

CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike)   English

Author(s): J.J. Sylvia IV

Subject(s): Film, television, radio and performing arts genres, Digital, video and new media arts, Cultural and media studies, Media studies, Media studies: internet, digital media and society, Media studies: TV and society, Media studies: advertising and society, Media studies: journalism, Online marketing / Social media marketing, Social media / social networking, Digital TV and media centres: consumer / user guides, Graphical and digital media applications

Institution(s): Fitchburg State University

Publisher: ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project

Last updated: 16/08/2024

Introduction to Communication and Media Studies is an in-depth exploration of how communication shapes our world. This book traces the historical evolution of media, from the early days of the printing press to today’s digital age, examining key developments such as the telegraph, radio, television, and the internet. It also covers critical theories that explain media’s impact on society, including the effects of advertising, the role of public relations, and the emergence of social media as a powerful force in modern communication. Chapters on media literacy, critical thinking, and rhetorical analysis help students develop critical skills for understanding and analyzing media messages.

Statistical Problem Sets in WeBWorK book cover

Statistical Problem Sets in WeBWorK

CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike)   English

Author(s): Peter Staab, Rachael Norton

Subject(s): Probability and statistics, Mathematics, Probability and statistics

Institution(s): Fitchburg State University

Publisher: ROTEL (Remixing Open Textbooks with an Equity Lens) Project

Last updated: 08/08/2024

The authors of this book adapted homework problems to improve accessibility and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the introductory statistics course they teach at Fitchburg State University. The purpose of this book is to share these updated problems with other instructors. The problems originated on WeBWorK, an open-source online homework platform in which students answer questions in an interactive manner. We have incorporated the updated problems into our existing problem sets on WeBWorK, which can be used as a companion to the OpenStax textbook Introductory Statistics by Barbara Illowsky and Susan Dean or any other textbook for a semester-long introductory statistics course. For a fuller experience for you and your students, we encourage you to contact us for help accessing the problem sets on WeBWorK. On that platform, students will engage more fully with the questions, and a slightly different version of the same problem will be generated for each student.