Our Story

WisTech Open was born from a simple idea: learning should be free and accessible to all. Building on the success of Open RN—an award-winning initiative launched in 2019 to create free nursing textbooks—WisTech Open became a statewide movement in 2023. Fueled by student advocacy and educator collaboration, we now support Wisconsin’s technical colleges in developing open educational resources across a wide range of programs. Our mission is to make learning more affordable, accessible, and innovative for every student.

WisTechFusion

Fusing AI with WisTech Open, WisTech Fusion helps faculty easily create high-quality supplementary materials — including quizzes, case studies, study guides, slide decks, and worksheets — to enhance teaching and learning.

OER 101

This free, online professional development course provides an introduction to how student success connects to open educational resources (OER) by examining challenges in textbook publishing, exploring perceptions, identifying key stakeholders, and helping participants plan their OER journey.

Projected Annual Impact

Upcoming Releases

Educator Testimonials

Accessible Learning

"Transitioning to an Open RN free textbook has been a rewarding decision as a nursing instructor. It removes financial barriers, ensuring all students have equal access to high-quality materials from day one. Traditional nursing textbooks are costly, but Open RN’s clear, accessible language makes complex concepts easier to understand. This improves comprehension, reduces stress, and enhances academic success. I’m truly grateful for Open RN’s support in making nursing education more affordable and effective."

Angela Landry, MSN, RN-BC

Nursing Faculty

Student-Centered

"As the Dean of a nursing program, I had faculty work on the development of the Open RN resources, and I’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact of open educational resources on both teaching and learning. Faculty appreciate having high-quality, evidence-based content that they can tailor to their courses, while students benefit from accessible, no-cost materials that support learning inside and outside the classroom. These resources have helped us reduce equity gaps, improve engagement, and maintain academic rigor, all while alleviating the burden of traditional textbook costs."

Brian Krogh, MSN, RN

Dean of Health Sciences

Student Driven

"At CVTC, we are exceptionally student driven. Innovative solutions that can provide the most cost-efficient path for students, while also maximizing educational value, are critical to that mission. Many students openly communicate about the challenges tied to the affordability of life and how those challenges can impact their future educational journey. Incorporating OER textbooks into our business-related programs, that are no cost to the student, greatly supports student outcomes and success."

Jason Schmitz, MBA

Business Faculty

High Quality

"As an instructor of non-traditional students balancing work and family, I value the impact of OER textbooks in providing affordable, high-quality resources that support both academic success and financial well-being. These expert-created materials include videos, interactive activities, and test prep tools that enhance learning and reduce the burden of costly textbooks. I’m proud to use and contribute to OER, knowing it directly supports my students’ goals and long-term success."

Kellea Ewen, MSN, RN

Nursing Faculty

Empowered Learning

"Open Educational Resources (OER) have become a powerful tool in advancing our mission of success for all students and access to academic excellence. By eliminating textbook costs and offering high-quality, customizable content, OER ensures that every student has immediate access to the materials they need to succeed—from day one. Our faculty use OER to tailor instruction to real-world applications, enhancing learning outcomes across disciplines. This approach has contributed to outstanding results, including a recent 100% NCLEX pass rate among our nursing graduates—a clear testament to the effectiveness of OER in preparing students for rigorous, high-stakes careers. OER isn’t just about affordability; it’s about achievement, innovation, and opportunity for our entire college community."

Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia

President

Transformed Teaching

"Adopting Open RN textbooks has transformed my role as an instructor and enhanced the student experience by providing accessible, high-quality, and up-to-date resources. These materials reduce financial strain, support diverse learning styles, and foster a more engaging classroom environment. Students appreciate the user-friendly design, online accessibility during clinicals, and the option to purchase affordable print copies. The shift to OER has improved teaching effectiveness and promoted greater student success across our nursing curriculum."

Krista Polomis, MSN, RN, CNE

Nursing Faculty

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