Engage - Set-Up/Preparation for Instructors using an Engage eText [UW-Madison]
This document provides instructions on how instructors can add the Engage eText tool to their Canvas course navigation menu and outlines some best practices for getting started with eTexts. Not all instructors using an eText are using Engage.
If instructors are using a publisher Digital Learning Tool (DLT), access to the eText and associated software will occur via the publisher tool, not the Engage eText tool. For information on setting up a DLT, see this document.
To ensure the most successful semester using Engage, be sure to spend some time preparing before the start of the term.
Add the Engage eText tool to your Canvas course
If you are using Engage to deliver your eText to your students in Canvas, you must manually add the Engage tool to your Canvas course navigation menu.
Navigate to the course you are teaching with the eText.
In the course navigation menu, click Settings.
On the Settings page, click the Navigation tab.
Scroll to the bottom of the page where hidden tools are listed.
Drag the tool named Engage eText to the desired location in the course navigation menu.
Click Save to save your changes.
Ensure TA’s and additional Instructors have access
TA’s and additional instructor roles should have access to the materials as long as they are added to the Canvas course. If an eText is being used from a previous course, the TA’s or other instructor roles should first be added to the previous course so they can launch the eText. It should then appear in the Library View under that semester (see the second option in this document for more information on accessing eTexts from previous semesters).
If TA’s or instructors are unable to access the eText after being added to the appropriate course(s), please have them contact the DoIT Help Desk for further assistance.
Prepare your text
Take time to review your eText in Engage and begin making notes to model for your students how you will use the eText throughout the semester. Notes must be shared with students so they can review them. To ensure equal opportunities for all students, annotations should also be available in a Word document. If you would like your students to share notes with you, they must share them as well using the above-linked instructions. When in Collaboration mode, you cannot use other features (e.g., taking notes, creating highlights, etc.).
Note: Sharing notes is not an accessible feature and should not be used as a grade item.
The RedShelf eReader provisions users differently. Because of this, notes for that eText will follow you across all semesters and classes that use that eText, so you won’t need to export them each semester to reuse them. The exception here is if you will be using a newer version. Different editions are seen as new files, so any notes will need to be recreated in the new edition.
Prepare your students
Consider adding resources to the homepage of your course to help reduce confusion and anxiety about Engage. You may also wish to post an announcement in Canvas a few days prior to the start of your course, directing students to your eText and encouraging them to begin exploring the tool.
Important: Please include information in your syllabus (sample language here) about Engage, how it will be accessed, and the cost associated with using these digital materials. As a reminder, the cost of the eText (plus tax) will be bundled into the student’s tuition - they do not need to purchase the title from the publisher directly. If there are any issues with access, they should first contact the DoIT Help Desk. If they wish to opt-out for any reason (e.g., purchased a print copy, have an unlimited plan from the publisher, it is not accessible, etc.), they can do so following the directions in this document.
Be sure to explain to your students how you will use Engage for your course. Promote early engagement with and navigation in the eText in a manner that reflects your expectations throughout the semester.
If needed, printed loose-leaf copies of some courses’ texts will also be available for an additional charge at the UW Book Store as long as the student has not opted out. Check the UW Book Store’s website to see which texts are available for purchase.
It is also important to consider accessibility. There are some functions in the Engage eReader that are not accessible to students with disabilities. You can review accommodation requests for your course through your McBurney Instructor Portal. If you’d like to make your course as accessible as possible, please review the tips outlined in this document. If you’d like additional assistance with accessibility, please contact the DoIT Help Desk.
Note: Since there are no reasonable accommodations for sharing notes, this feature should not be used as a grade item. Annotations should also be provided as a Word document to ensure all students can utilize your notes.
Getting Support
If adding the Engage eText tool doesn't work for you, please contact the DoIT Help Desk:
