diff --git a/00-before-we-start.md b/00-before-we-start.md
index bfaf882c..87583e9e 100644
--- a/00-before-we-start.md
+++ b/00-before-we-start.md
@@ -279,24 +279,24 @@ is a complete record of what we did, and anyone (including our future selves!)
can easily replicate the results on their computer.
RStudio allows you to execute commands directly from the script editor by using
-the `Ctrl` + `Enter` shortcut (on Macs, `Cmd` +
-`Return` will work, too). The command on the current line in the
+the Ctrl + Enter shortcut (on Macs, Cmd +
+Return will work, too). The command on the current line in the
script (indicated by the cursor) or all of the commands in the currently
selected text will be sent to the console and executed when you press
-`Ctrl` + `Enter`. You can find other keyboard shortcuts in
+Ctrl + Enter. You can find other keyboard shortcuts in
this [RStudio cheatsheet about the RStudio
IDE](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rstudio/cheatsheets/main/rstudio-ide.pdf).
At some point in your analysis you may want to check the content of a variable
or the structure of an object, without necessarily keeping a record of it in
your script. You can type these commands and execute them directly in the
-console. RStudio provides the `Ctrl` + `1` and
-`Ctrl` + `2` shortcuts allow you to jump between the
+console. RStudio provides the Ctrl + 1 and
+Ctrl + 2 shortcuts allow you to jump between the
script and the console panes.
If R is ready to accept commands, the R console shows a `>` prompt. If it
receives a command (by typing, copy-pasting or sent from the script editor using
-`Ctrl` + `Enter`), R will try to execute it, and when
+Ctrl + Enter), R will try to execute it, and when
ready, will show the results and come back with a new `>` prompt to wait for new
commands.
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ a complete command. This is because you have not 'closed' a parenthesis or
quotation, i.e. you don't have the same number of left-parentheses as
right-parentheses, or the same number of opening and closing quotation marks.
When this happens, and you thought you finished typing your command, click
-inside the console window and press `Esc`; this will cancel the
+inside the console window and press Esc; this will cancel the
incomplete command and return you to the `>` prompt.
## Seeking help
diff --git a/index.md b/index.md
index 661fd6b7..0fb16aa3 100644
--- a/index.md
+++ b/index.md
@@ -14,6 +14,20 @@ site: sandpaper::sandpaper_site
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::: instructor
+
+## Try out the alternative version of this lesson!
+[A redesigned version of this lesson](https://carpentries-incubator.github.io/R-ecology-lesson-alternative/)
+is currently in beta testing and
+[the Data Carpentry Ecology Curriculum Advisors are looking for feedback](https://carpentries.org/blog/2023/07/r-ecology-alt-beta/)
+from Instructors who try teaching it,
+with the aim of evaluating whether it should be adopted to replace this lesson in the official Data Carpentry Ecology curriculum.
+
+If you are planning to teach a Data Carpentry Ecology workshop, or this lesson only,
+why not try out the alternative version and let the CAC know what you think?
+
+::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
+
Data Carpentry's aim is to teach researchers basic concepts, skills,
and tools for working with data so that they can get more done in less
time, and with less pain. The lessons below were designed for those interested
diff --git a/md5sum.txt b/md5sum.txt
index 9f9a3553..d671f9a0 100644
--- a/md5sum.txt
+++ b/md5sum.txt
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@
"LICENSE.Rmd" "ac8cf7fc8ee2cfb893ff831001b97e29" "site/built/LICENSE.md" "2023-11-21"
"NEWS.md" "fd72095d364a9ae2aefcaa02168bb2a7" "site/built/NEWS.md" "2023-11-21"
"config.yaml" "0bdaec9a0c1aefd12e53078e75896f83" "site/built/config.yaml" "2023-11-21"
-"index.Rmd" "400d5cdf0026a672545648985a0a7141" "site/built/index.md" "2023-11-21"
-"episodes/00-before-we-start.Rmd" "ef7481b5b9858ee3da234afae05f5e12" "site/built/00-before-we-start.md" "2023-11-21"
+"index.Rmd" "cab3567537c781068382a4a0fd803220" "site/built/index.md" "2024-01-31"
+"episodes/00-before-we-start.Rmd" "0f589f0a88627ca4a046d84abf8a3ace" "site/built/00-before-we-start.md" "2024-01-31"
"episodes/01-intro-to-r.Rmd" "9d0341af304a8ff96edd39a0032bf32d" "site/built/01-intro-to-r.md" "2023-11-21"
"episodes/02-starting-with-data.Rmd" "1d17881fd589b9208eda76c8bef547bd" "site/built/02-starting-with-data.md" "2023-11-21"
"episodes/03-dplyr.Rmd" "c5bf6b8e6d7525fe0bb21b1216549574" "site/built/03-dplyr.md" "2023-11-21"