Keepin’ up with the Changes.

How, as instructors, do you keep up with all of the changes? Publishers and the NDSU course material team have partnered to unlock these opportunities for you.

The newest delivery method is the Inclusive Access Program. Inclusive access converts your traditional printed book to an interactive digital version while adding in all of the bells and whistles of homework cards. Students receive access to the e-book and adaptive learning platforms on day one of class.

Not so fun fact; in the print market 5 to 10 percent of students are choosing not to buy the book based on price alone.

But, how do I get started?

Publishers will assist you as an instructor in the set up and use of the material. The Bookstore handles billing and students who opt-out. Students who choose to opt-out will have to find the material from an alternative source than the bookstore.  Because this is an all-digital program that has a 97 to 98 percent participation rate by students, the material can be provided at a much lower cost than the market list price.

Not so fun fact; in the print market 5 to 10 percent of students are choosing not to buy the book based on price alone. Learn more insights on students.

There are many advantages for you as an instructor. First, you’re off and running the very first day of class, all students have the material. No more waiting for students to receive their books in the mail or pick them up at the bookstore. Secondly, many of the e-books come with adaptive learning functions that you can make available or turn off such as quizzes and learning tools. Finally, publishers are adding reports that let you know how your students are using the material.  Check with your publisher representative for details.

Will the students actually use this?

From your students’ prospective, affordability is the main reason students choose not to purchase course materials. With the Inclusive Access Program students have FREE access to the material until the add/drop date. During that period, they have full access to the material. If they find the material at a lower cost they simply opt out of the program from their unique student portal. Students that do not opt-out of the program are charged a low cost by the Bookstore. The program is also ADA compliant, the digital delivery solves many of the problems that students with disabilities experience with traditional printed material. If students are new to e-material they find it is easier to search for information and collaborate with other classmates. Many publisher platforms have student collaboration tools built in.

The traditional textbook has evolved into course materials, changing the students’ experience from a passive to an active and adaptive one.

If you are interested in adding the Inclusive Access Program to your teaching experience, please contact the course material team at the NDSU Bookstore or ask your publisher representative for a demonstration.

Thank you for your time,

Brent Seewald-Marquardt

Brent Seewald-Marquardt is the assistant director of course material and academic resources for the North Dakota State University Bookstore.