1. FA14 e-Text Initiative: Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Salisbury and Concord, NC Jenny Beaver, Chair of ACA, DRE and ENG (Cengage TPU) Betty Stack, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Dean of Early College Programs

2. What is an e-Text?
Per RCCC’s initiative, an e-Text or ‘electronic textbook’ is defined as a completely digital text that is loaded and accessed directly through and in Blackboard (per a hyperlink). No access code is needed. No outside sites are required.
All courses requiring e-Texts also offer optional loose-leaf versions in addition; loose-leafs can be purchased at the College’s bookstore for $ $20.00 (approximately and depending on course).
The combined price of the e-Text and loose-leaf textbook is STILL less than the cost of a traditional, printed textbook.
Students were asked to view, read and familiarize themselves with the e-Text before opting to purchase a loose-leaf version.

3. How do Students Access the e-Text?
When students log into a Blackboard course using an e-Text, the text and additional digital resources are preloaded, linked and ready to use.
Blackboard recommends certain browsers for the best functionality and compatibility for Blackboard features (and in turn, e-Texts as well): Safari, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Internet Explorer (IE) is NOT recommended (any version).
If students can disable their “pop-up” blocker within their browser, they will have access to the e-Text. The e-Text is platform independent so as long as the device can access the internet and Blackboard, the device can successfully view and use the e-Text.

4. e-Text Fun Facts
4,212 students are currently enrolled in an e-Text course this fall.
11 Courses have required e-Texts: ACA 122, COM 110, COM 120, COM 231, DRE 096, DRE 097, DRE 098, ENG 111, PSY 150, POL 120 and SOC 210.
Cengage e-Texts and digital resources are 100% ADA compliant.
There have been 21 documented technology issues; 6 of these were due to outdated software, 14 due to pop-up blockers. Only 1 had to be addressed differently.
There are 1,098 students currently in ENG-111; only 197 have purchased loose-leafs (only 17.94% of students; we projected and prepared for 30% - 40%).
Every faculty member teaching an e-Text course was trained over the summer in preparation. We also hosted “drop-in” sessions in the case that students/faculty had issues or questions. Our tutoring/writing centers also offer FREE training on an appointment or walk-in basis.
There is also a website and a toll-free number to call for help: or This website provides live chat support and answers to commonly asked questions. Also, 24/7 assistance if/when needed.

5. e-Text Hyperlinks and Images