Indiana University expands its eText initiative with Pearson learning materials; program allows students, faculty to use software from Courseload to read and annotate with eTexts on computers, smartphones, tablets

Kendall Sinclair

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana , May 14, 2012 (press release) – Indiana University and Pearson are working together to reduce the costs of digital textbooks for students on all IU campuses. IU's eTexts initiative enables faculty to optionally choose these digital textbooks and online exercises at reduced prices for students.

"IU has long used its scale to provide excellent software deals from Microsoft and Adobe, and the eTexts initiative extends that win-win approach to help reduce the costs of digital course materials for students," said Brad Wheeler, IU vice president for information technology and chief information officer. "Pearson is a world leader in developing the next generation of online learning experiences, and this deal enables IU faculty to choose Pearson products and save students money."

The IU eText initiative began pilot trials in 2009 and became available to all IU campuses in September 2011. Students and faculty use software from Courseload to read, annotate and socially collaborate with eTexts on almost any computer, tablet or smartphone device.

Students especially like being able to highlight and share study notes with peers and to see annotations by faculty. Students have access to both online and print versions that suit their study needs, and they will have ongoing access to all of their eTexts as long as they are enrolled at IU.

IU faculty can now choose digital texts from Flat World Knowledge, Harvard Business School Publishing, IU Press, MacMillan, McGraw Hill, Pearson, W.W. Norton and Wiley, with other publishers to come.

For more on IU's eTexts initiative, frequently asked questions and details on signups for summer and fall semesters, visit etexts.iu.edu.

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