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Engage - Set-Up/Preparation for Instructors Using a Publisher Digital Learning Tool (DLT) [UW-Madison]

This document outlines some best practices for an instructor getting started with using a publisher Digital Learning Tool (DLT) in their course. If an instructor is using Engage for an eText only, and not for DLTs, they should add the Engage tool to their navigation menu by following directions in this document.

Example DLTs include Cengage MindTap and WebAssign, Macmillan LaunchPad and Achieve, McGraw-Hill Connect, Pearson MyLab and Mastering series, and Pearson Revel.

To ensure a successful semester using a DLT, be sure to spend some time preparing before the start of the term.

Some DLTs may not be fully accessible for students with disabilities. Please contact the publisher for accessibility concerns and potential workarounds. To review requested accommodations, access your McBurney Instructor Portal.

   

Add the publisher Digital Learning Tool (DLT) to your Canvas course

If you are using a publisher DLT, you may need to add the tool to your Canvas course navigation menu. Many publishers will provide more detailed instructions on setting up their tool with you, but in case they do not this may help:

  1. Log in to Canvas at canvas.wisc.edu.
  2. Navigate to the course you are teaching with the DLT.
  3. In the course navigation menu, click Settings.
  4. On the Settings page, click the Navigation tab.
  5. Scroll to the bottom of the page where hidden tools are listed.
  6. Drag the publisher tool to the desired location in the course navigation menu. Example publisher tools include Cengage MindTap, Pearson MyLab and Mastering and Pearson Revel.
  7. Click Save to save your changes.

Not all tools are available to be added this way; if you do not see your tool listed, please reach out to the publisher for assistance. You can also review the currently enabled application configurations, many of which have links to their own documentation.

Prepare your students

Consider adding resources to the homepage of your course to help reduce confusion and anxiety about the publisher DLT you have chosen to use. You may also wish to post an announcement in Canvas a few days prior to the start of your course, directing students to the DLT 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 DLT (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 publisher and let them know they are using Engage. If they wish to opt-out for any reason (e.g., 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 the DLT throughout the semester. Promote early engagement with and navigation in the DLT 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 Bookstore as long as the student has not opted out. Check the UW Bookstore’s website to see which texts are available for purchase.

If students have support questions related to the use of the DLT they can be referred to the publisher for support. Information on where to go for publisher support can be found here.

Questions or concerns regarding billing can be directed to the DoIT Help Desk.