The Order Tool enables Instructors, Course Coordinators, and Program Administrators to place orders for digital course materials for an upcoming academic term. It also allows Students to opt-out of digital materials. 

Digital course materials can be electronic textbooks (eTexts) delivered in the Engage eReader or publisher courseware, also called a digital learning tool (DLT). Both options may be ordered via the Order Tool. Open Educational Resources (OER), such as OpenStax textbooks, may also be ordered in the Order Tool.

Instructors and Course Coordinators

Students

Select an article listed below to learn about various functions in the Engage eReader.

Basic Functionality

• All eTexts are accessed through Canvas 

• Review the layout of the eReader

• How to navigate your eText 

• Required and recommended hardware and software 

• Platform status check: RedShelf Status and Unizin Status Check (these can be used to verify that all systems are functional)

Advanced Functionality

• Create notes, highlights, and citations within the eText

• Copy and paste right from the eText 

• Create flashcards from your notes 

• Share your notes and subscribe to notes shared with you 

• Download your eText for offline use 

• Print your eText (or print to PDF and save) 

Accessibility Functionality

• Change the appearance of the eReader

• Keyboard shortcuts

• Text to speech 

• Engage (RedShelf) accessibility and usability information 

• Host textbooks and learning materials online, directly in a Canvas course, instead of through physical resources (eco-friendly!).

• Use DLTs for interactive learning experiences and additional analytics/objectives.

• Collaborative note sharing (this is not accessible and should not be a required grade item).

• Students get access on day one, preventing a delay in acquiring the materials and the potential for missed work.

• Savings are typically between 40%-80% per textbook and 25% for publisher Digital Learning Tools (DLTs).

• For more information on the Engage platform, please see the DoIT Engage page.

• Additional benefits can be found in the benefits of using Engage KnowledgeBase document. 

Instructors:

While Engage is easily customizable for your course, there are some general best practices to follow:

• Understand the difference between eTexts and DLTs before your course begins, including the key features and functions of each, and what support options are available.

• Introduce your chosen digital materials to students proactively and promote early engagement in the text. 

• Be open to discussing why you chose to use digital materials and ensure students are clear on how those digital materials will be used in your course.

• Work with McBurney Disability Resource Center on accommodations and making your course accessible, if needed.

• More best practices can be reviewed here: Engage - Best Practices for Instructors [UW-Madison].

• You can also review the Engage - Instructor Checklist (UW-Madison) for a list of steps to take before, during, and after the ordering periods. 

Students:

Refer to your syllabus and/or instructor for best practices and direction on using your digital materials.

A couple of important things to note: 

• Do not make bookmarks directly to the eText; always launch it out of Canvas. 

• Do not purchase publisher tools directly from the publisher; always access digital materials from your Canvas course. 

Instructors can choose to use one of the following options in their course:

1. Use the Engage tool to deliver an eText to your students.
   or:

2. Use a publisher Digital Learning Tool (DLT) to deliver an eText and lab or homework software to your students.
   
   DLTs are delivered by the respective publisher (not Engage), but still integrate with Canvas. Example DLTs include:

   • Pearson: MyLab, Mastering, Revel

   • Cengage: MindTap, OWLv2, WebAssign

   • Macmillan: Achieve

   • McGraw Hill: Connect, ALEKS

It is possible to use both but this is not as common. Selecting the DLT will include the related eText, however it will be accessed in that publisher tool instead of in the Engage eReader. Differences between each model are outlined in the table below.

If your course is using an Engage eText or publisher digital learning tool (DLT), it will be included under the course's listing on Course Search & Enroll. You can also access that tool when enrolling in classes from MyUW.

Alternatively, you can log into the Order Tool, select My Account from the menu bar, and choose Courses. Select the academic term for which you wish to review your course materials. You’ll see all your courses for the selected term, including if digital materials were adopted by your instructor, and what type.