OPEN YOUR BOOKS AND TURN TO PAGE 10

Getting students to use their e-textbooks

Presented by

Reggie Cobb

Biology Instructor, Nash Community College

Technology Power User for Cengage Learning

I. Introduction:Background Information

• Have taught biology online since 2001• General Biology• Environmental Biology• Human Biology• Human Genetics

• First online classes• Textbooks

• main source of course content• possibly a link to the textbook website

• Learning Management System (LMS) • Provide documents (syllabus / handouts)• Communication using Discussion Boards• Place to submit assignments• Online Exams

I. Introduction:Background Information (continued)

• Beginning 2007-08• Textbooks

• Began providing more online learning tools for students• Supplemented (optional)

• LMS• Still the primary tool used in courses

• 2010-2013• Textbooks

• Began providing e-texts along with regular textbooks• Advanced online learning tools and multimedia included with textbooks• Students required to complete assignments on textbook site

• LMS• Continued to be the primary tool used in courses

I. Introduction:Background Information (continued)

• Recently• Textbooks

• A few students began purchasing e-text only (with online learning program)• Online learning program required and used extensively

• LMS• Documents and links to supplemental media• Communication• Online Exams

• Dilemma• Students must go to several places to access

information and complete assignments• Internet is very distracting • Many of my students work full time, have families,

and try to take a full load of classes

II. Introduction: HypothesisIncorporating an Interactive E-Text will promote student success.

• Students want/need to focus on learning• Limited time – more guidance needed

• Providing a “one-stop-shop” can reduce the distractions and help students focus on their learning• Providing a “Learning Path” to help guide students is important

• Computers/Tablets are now affordable

III. Materials and Methods:Materials - Cengage Learning’s MindTap

• Textbook specific online learning program• Personalized Teaching

• Allows instructors to create a Learning Path for their students

• The e-text is embedded within the Learning Path• Divided into small sections – “chunks”

• Multiple types of multimedia can be added to the learning path or directly into the e-text

+ =

III. Materials and Methods:Methods - (1) Create Learning Path

III. Materials and Methods:Methods - (2) Include E-Text in Learning Path

III. Materials and Methods:Methods - (3) Take advantage of divided E-Text

III. Materials and Methods:Methods - (4) Personalize and add multimedia

IV: Results:Benefits of Interactive E-Text

• Students are guided one step a time• Distractions are reduced which promotes learning• Dividing e-text into sections makes it more manageable• Incorporating media and supporting files within e-text

forces students to at least “open” the textbook

• Personal results• More students with A’s and B’s

and less with low C’s and D’s• Unfortunately, several other factors may have contributed

• Non-majors biology course options became available for students seeking Associate of Arts degrees

• Additional activities that require students to engage with the material were added to course requirements

IV: Results:Disadvantages of Interactive E-Text

• Time• It takes time to create and/or add multimedia and links

• Availability• Not all students have the technology at home

• Accessibility• Currently available through a web-browser

• When websites are updated, links within the E-Text must be updated

V. Discussion:Interactivite E-Text – Work in Progress

• Personally• The hypothesis is accepted – incorporating an

interactive e-text promoted student learning

• Personalizing and adding multimedia links to MindTap is a work in progress

• Other Comments• MindTap has the following tools that were not discussed

• ReadSpeaker• Collaboration area called the ConnectYard• Interactive Flashcards• Notebook and Highlights section – highlight/save specific text• Manageable online testing features with CNow

THANK YOU!Do you have any questions?

Reggie Cobb

rcobb@nashcc.edu

Credits• Images

• Slide 2• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biology• http://www.oocities.org/trooperselectronics/COMPUTER_SETS_2001.jpg

• Slide 3• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop

• Slide 4• http://www.intelegia.com/en/files/2011/10/dilemma-270x300.jpg

• Slide 5• http://www.travelandleisure.com/images/media/0000/7655/201212-b-electronic-devices.jpg

• Slide 6• http://www.cengagebrain.com/static/storefront/US/images/free_eChapter_ipad.png

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Youtube_icon.svg • http://logos.wikia.com/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint • http://www.logoeps.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/adobe_pdf-logo.jpg• http://png.findicons.com/files/icons/2275/sinem/128/jpeg_file_icon.png • MindTap Screenshot – R. Cobb 2014

• Slide 7-10, 13• MindTap Screenshots – R. Cobb 2014

• Slide 14• http://www.nashcc.edu • http://news.cengage.com/images-for-media/