The VitalSource Resource

This piece appeared in its entirety in the July 3, 2017 edition of eCampus News.

I’ve always considered myself a good student. I would dutifully tote textbooks and color-coded binders with matching dividers around everywhere I went, from home to school, school to after-school practices, practices to my part-time job, and then back home every evening, studying any chance I could.

Oh, how things have changed.

Now students have access to all those learning materials and resources from the touch of small, lightweight device. They can access what they need from anywhere, regardless of what device they are using. In a world of constant change and continuous improvement, finding paths that will encourage student growth, success, and retention are vital in our educational strategies. Hinds (Miss.) Community College is now a world without lost backpacks, forgotten textbooks, or misplaced notes, fostering a culture that encourages constant learning, even when class isn’t in session.

A common debate over the years has been, what is better: TV or movies?

Of late, TV is soundly winning the debate. Some people say it is because viewers prefer the shorter format. Our minds wander too much for a two-hour movie, but yet we often binge watch multiple episodes, so how much is our mind wandering? Others say it’s the aspect of the cliffhanger, which keeps viewers hungrily coming back for more. However, cliffhangers have been around since soap operas gained popularity in the 50’s. Another argument says it’s the quality of the writing that has grown as TV has begun to be a more respected format. However, what I think is happening is that TV has grown because it is now so social.

For publishers and content creators, it’s all about learning: 
• How does our content improve learning outcomes?
• How can we ensure that the right content is in the right course?
Publishers and institutions agree on a simple formula: quality content, plus quality instruction, plus quality student engagement equal student success. Understanding exactly how students engage with content is key to improving each piece of this formula.

The piece originally appeared in Tech and Learning UK on July 7, 2017 

Today’s university students are digital and mobile. The smartphones they carry around in their pocketsare more powerful than the desktop computers available five years ago. We know that students are using technology to stay connected to each other, but also to help with their studies. 

The “Inclusive Access” model is rapidly gaining traction by delivering high-quality digital course materials to students on the first day of class at a fraction of traditional costs. But as with many developing models, the consumer experience (for students in this case) is currently half-baked: students lack a single place to find options and information for their specific Inclusive Access materials. 

So we’re introducing Verba Connect Portal, a personalized student hub for Inclusive Access.