Textbook publishers often provide useful materials like slide decks, test banks, and interactive content that can be a great help when building your online course. These materials can be a lifesaver when faculty members are looking for materials to include in their online courses. They’re typically already in a digital format and tend to integrate well with many learning management systems. However, it’s important to use them thoughtfully to ensure they support, rather than overshadow, the goals of your course. Here’s how to get the most out of publisher-provided materials while keeping your course personal and effective.
Maintain Instructor Presence
Remember: the only presence your students expect throughout the course is you, not the materials. While publisher materials are helpful, they should never become the core of your course. Instead, use them to supplement your own content. The unique perspective you bring to your subject matter is what students value most, so make sure your voice stays central throughout the course.
Assure Alignment
Before incorporating publisher materials, double-check that they align with your course’s learning objectives and assessments. Publisher resources are often tied to specific textbook chapters and may not perfectly fit your curriculum. Take the time to assess how these materials support your course’s goals, and tweak or omit anything that doesn’t quite fit. When you use these resources, explain to your students how they enhance their learning, take the time to explain to your students how the added activity helps improve their learning. The tenets of “review, preview, and motivate” remain true even when drafter materials are integrated into a class. For example, you can use drafter materials as an opportunity to review a topic or idea that you have previously presented. Let students know that the drafter materials explain the same topic in a different way. Some students may benefit from hearing both explanations.
Ensure Accessibility
Accessibility is crucial when adding publisher materials to your course. Some materials may not adhere to Web content accessibility guidelines, or may not be useable when students require a screen reader or other assistive device to access the online course environment. Reach out to the publisher to confirm whether the materials are accessible, or consider alternatives if needed. Making sure all students can engage with the course content is essential for an inclusive learning environment.
Potential Pitfalls
Using publisher materials after you’ve stopped requiring the textbook can lead to problems. Since these resources are usually organized by chapter, students may get confused if the chapters no longer match your content. Additionally, many publishers require that their materials only be used if the textbook is required. Using them without the text could create legal issues for your institution, so it’s best to avoid that.
