Innovative teachers don't need no stinkin' textbooks

Over the past 20 years, textbook prices have risen about twice as fast as inflation and, when added to the soaring cost of college, that places a heavy burden on many students.

The USA Today recently reported on Oceanography professor Bob Stewart of Texas A&M who, in a display of altruism and character, refused to work with a publisher on his book Introduction to Physical Oceanography. It's distributed online for free, and it's also being used in China by students who are looking to learn oceanography and English. Dr. Stewart called the book his "gift. . . to the students of the world."