Graphic summary “cheat” sheets to accompany each Chapter in “Introduction to Genetics”

Faculty/Staff: Natasha Ramroop Singh and Isabella Alas (student)
Platform: Pressbooks
Site link (if applicable): https://opengenetics.pressbooks.tru.ca/
Services provided: Funding work by artist
Description: The Introduction to Genetics textbook, was designed and published 2021-2023 for BIOL 2340/2341 at TRU. It is an evolving open educational resource aimed at keeping genetics content fresh and accessible. To enhance student learning, this project proposed the creation of visually engaging graphic summaries for each of the textbook’s 12 chapters, created by a student in the course, Isabela Alas, a very talented artist! A former student, Isabella demonstrated exceptional skill in producing creative and effective study aids. The summaries have been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Natasha Ramroop Singh, before being integrated into the textbook. This project initiative is a simple yet impactful way to support student comprehension and improve exam performance in BIOL 2340/2341.

Impact Summary

Used in course(s): BIOL 2340/2341
When: Fall 2024; Winter 2025
Estimated number of students using textbook(s): 90 (BIOL 2340) + 90 (BIOL 2341)
- Note: other faculty at TRU may also be using this textbook
Average price of textbook replaced:
- The average price of a Intro genetics-related textbook in Canada typically ranges from $60 to $300 depending on format (print or ebook) and publisher – we are using a modest estimate of $125/ high quality textbook, featuring accessibility and engaging components such as videos, graphics, and interactive H5P activity components.
Estimated savings: $125 x 180 students = $22,500

Impact Story

Written by Divya Chandak

To make genetics education more accessible, affordable, and engaging for her students, Associate Teaching Professor Natasha Ramroop Singh set out to redesign the Introduction to Genetics course (BIOL 2340/2341). Each year, more than ninety learners who were enrolled in the course were required to purchase a textbook costing over $200, even though many would not pursue advanced genetics course. For Natasha, that was a barrier worth removing.

Her search led her to an existing open resource authored by John Locke from the University of Alberta. With support from TRU Open Learning in 2021, she remixed, adapted, and expanded the material to align with her course objectives and institutional learning outcomes. Editor Dani Collins was instrumental throughout the process, managing Pressbooks formatting, editorial guidance, and helped with the responsible use of open 3^rd party content in the OER.

Natasha’s vision extended beyond affordability. With Open Press funding, Natasha hired a very talented student, Isabela Alas, to create graphic chapter summaries for each chapter in the Intro to Genetics OER. These peer-generated cheat sheet tools now help learners practice higher-level thinking and exam preparation.

“Because it’s created by a student for students, it’s very student-friendly,” – Natasha Ramroop Singh

The project was not without challenges. What was intended as a six-month initiative grew into two years as Natasha balanced teaching responsibilities with OER development. Yet the support of Open Press and the enthusiasm of her student Isabela sustained the project.

“Education is rapidly changing,” she reflects. “AI, digital equity, and open pedagogy are reshaping what’s possible, but the human element of learning will always remain at the heart of it.”- Natasha Ramroop Singh

Looking ahead, Natasha sees this project as a model for the future of open education: community-driven, enriched by student voices, and evolving with technology.