Monday, February 2, 2026
Colleges partner to provide new, free textbook
A new open textbook, “Oral/Interpersonal Communication,” is now available through WisTech Open. Developed by Darrel Farmer, PhD, Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), and Bridget Bell, MA, Gateway Technical College (GTC), the resource provides students with a practical, research-based guide to communication skills essential in personal, academic and professional settings.
Developed collaboratively between CVTC and the Wisconsin Technical College System, the textbook emphasizes real-world application of communication principles, from listening and nonverbal communication to conflict management and teamwork. It’s freely available in digital format and an open license, allowing instructors to adopt and adapt it at no cost to students. Print and audiobook versions will be available in the spring.
“This resource gives learners tools they can use immediately, not just theory. Teaching students about how to engage in the workplace, how to better manage the relationships in their lives, and understanding how to convey their intended messages are skills all students need.” said Farmer. “A textbook like this is important because not only does it relate directly to the material being taught in the class, but the examples, activities, and explanations are intended to seem reflective of the lives our current students lead.”
The book is available now at: https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/communications/.
