A Flexible Digital Textbook Replacement for Foundational Chemistry at MIT

Introductory chemistry (5.111) is a foundational MIT General Institute Requirement serving hundreds of students annually. The current commercial textbook is expensive, doesn't meet post-COVID engagement needs, and lacks flexibility for anticipated Task Force on the Undergraduate Academic Program (TFUAP) recommendations requiring multiple chemistry configurations. We propose creating an MIT-owned digital textbook for all Chemistry GIR flavors. Working with Open Learning and the Teaching + Learning Lab, we'll deliver this through internal platforms at no cost to students. Rather than digitizing traditional textbooks, our resource provides core chemistry in 5-10 minute segments integrating text, videos, interactive visualizations, simulations, and practice problems with immediate feedback. Being continuously updatable, this meets current student needs while maintaining MIT's rigor and enabling instructor adaptation as pedagogy evolves.