LibGuides: Business Division Faculty LibGuide: Course: Software Applications for Business OER/ZTC

What is the Difference Between OER and ZTC?

OER and ZTC are often used interchangeably but they are not necessarily the same thing.

A zero textbook cost course is one that uses learning materials that cost the students zero dollars. For example, materials from Western Library's Databases are considered ZTC but not OER. Why? While the learning materials cost the students zero dollars, there is a cost to Western Library in the form of database subscription fees and other material costs.

Adopting Open Educational Resources (OER) is a common method of eliminating textbook costs in courses. OER carry an open license. This is a type of license (Creative Commons - CC) that grants permission to access, re-use and redistribute a work for free, with few or no restrictions.

If you see an open license symbol like the this one, that's how you know it's OER!

OER: Software for Business Apps

Beginning Excel 2019
This textbook was written for a community college introductory course in spreadsheets utilizing Microsoft Excel. While the figures shown utilize Excel 2019, the textbook was written to be applicable to other versions of Excel as well. The book introduces new users to the basics of spreadsheets and is appropriate for students in any major who have not used Excel before. This textbook includes instructions for Excel for Mac also. O
Business Computers 365 (OER Textbook)
Intro to Computer Applications or Business Computers for Office 365. (Published November June 14, 2019)
CIS101 - Computer Fundamentals (OER
LINDA NOTE: An option as a framework that can be updated for 2022-23. --- Linn-Benton Community College, 2016. In this course, students will learn basic Microsoft Windows 10 Operating Systems skills (including Core PC Hardware Components, Graphical User Interface, Local and Cloud File Management, Applications, Internet Browsers, Security, and key System Utilities), Google Email, Contacts, Calendar, and Drive applications, as well as introduction to Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Presentation applications. Additionally, students will learn to create and convert documents between different format (Microsoft and Google apps).” 11 topics/weeks, from overview of computers to overview of PowerPoint. Online course, but there is a link to download this course as a read-only version.
Computer Fundamentals for Technical Students (OER LibreTexts)
by Nick Heisserer
This text was created to provide students enrolled in Technical Education Programs or professionals in business and industry with contextual learning opportunities to develop the necessary computer skills to function in the 21st-century workforce in a non-IT technical field. Topics and skills provided in this text include using and changing the Windows desktop; downloading software from the internet; the file hierarchy and saving files; using the basic functions of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software to create and format documents; the use of email clients to send messages; how to attach documents and organize tasks; connecting to and using the internet; searching the web effectively; working with sounds and picture files, and understanding privacy issues and how to prevent identity theft when using computers and the internet. In addition, content regarding Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel will be covered in great depth. (Last updated: February 23, 2021).
Key Concepts of Computer Studies (OER textbook)
by Meizhong Wang
If you are looking for a quick study guide in Computer Studies, this book is an excellent resource. Skip the lengthy and distracting books and instead use this book to guide your studies, review your knowledge, or help with tutoring. This book quickly gets to the heart of each particular topic, helping students with a quick review before doing homework or preparing for a test. (Published November 26, 2020)

Zero-Textbook Cost Options

GFC Global - Technology (Online Tutorials)
Intimidated by computers? New to email or the web? Want to stay safe online or understand how your operating system works? Learn all of this and more in our Technology section. Text and video-based tutorials. Do a keyword search to locate specific information you are looking for. Spanish language available.

Software for Business Apps Guide for Students who use Macs

Office for Mac Quick Starts
Resources for Learning Office for Mac (GFC Global)
Our Microsoft Office tutorials are some of the most popular courses we offer. These tutorials, however, are designed for those using Office on computers with Microsoft Windows. We don't currently offer tutorials on Office for Mac, but it is important to note that Office 2016 shares a lot of functionality with the Windows version. So if you have Office 2016 for Mac, check out our Office 2016 tutorial. To help you, we'd like to share a number of excellent—and mostly free!—resources that can help you learn how to use Office for Mac.