The University of Arkansas is making strides in providing students with innovative and cost-effective resources for learning. Two Spanish instructors, Antonio Parrilla Recuero and Hilda Benton, have collaborated with the University Libraries and the Global Campus to create a new, free resource for students studying business concepts in the context of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking countries.
The textbook, titled “Negocios y Desarrollo Profesional: Perspectivas en Español,” was published in June and is being used in the new online course Spanish Business I, developed by Benton. This course is part of the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish degree program delivered online. The textbook covers global business concepts, intercultural and international communication, acculturation processes, and key topics such as global trade, leadership, ethics, sustainability, and globalization. It also includes sections on professional development, interpersonal communication, interview preparation, and teamwork within the business context of Spanish-speaking countries.
The authors emphasized the importance of providing this textbook at no cost to benefit both students and instructors. The previous textbook used for Spanish business courses was outdated and expensive, making this new resource a valuable addition to the curriculum. The textbook will not only be used in Spanish Business I but also in other courses for students pursuing a degree in Spanish and those in the Sam M. Walton College of Business degree programs.
The Open Educational Resources Team, comprised of staff from the University Libraries and the Global Campus, supported the project. OER resources are free to students and users worldwide, making them accessible for teaching, learning, research, and other purposes. The team incorporated content from multiple textbooks to ensure the inclusion of relevant topics for conducting business in Spanish, with University Libraries paying licensing fees for some pages.
A bachelor’s degree in Spanish offers a variety of career opportunities, particularly in international business, marketing, and customer service. Proficiency in Spanish is essential for effective communication with Spanish-speaking clients and partners, understanding cultural nuances, and facilitating market expansion into Spanish-speaking regions. Additionally, translation and interpretation tasks require proficiency in Spanish for accurate communication in global business operations, providing a competitive edge in the global job market.
Overall, the collaboration between the Spanish instructors, University Libraries, and the Global Campus to create a free textbook for students studying business concepts in Spanish is a significant step towards enhancing the learning experience and providing valuable resources for students pursuing a degree in Spanish or business. This initiative not only benefits students at the University of Arkansas but also contributes to the broader goal of promoting open education resources for learners worldwide.
