<p>I encouraged Lake Jr. to investigate MIT Open Course Ware as a supplement to required materials, but I don’t think that OCW can replace assigned texts, unless there’s a fundamental change in classroom instruction in higher education.</p>
<p>Maybe U.S. colleges should consider the method used in the U.K. As I understand it, assigned textbooks are rare for a U.K. university “taught course.” Instead, in addition to lectures, students are permitted to use any sourcebook or reference germane to their academic discipline in preparation for their major projects or exams.</p>