Since 2011, Indiana University’s groundbreaking eText program has saved students millions of dollars, while delivering course materials straight to their digital devices before the first day of class. These savings make college more affordable for tens of thousands of Hoosiers across the state.

Showcasing its innovative use of eTexts in higher education, IU in 2018 released a free e-book, “eTexts 101: A Practical Guide,” chronicling lessons learned and best practices on the school’s eTexts journey. It is available at etexts101.iu.edu. IU was an early innovator in eTexts. IU began piloting eTexts in 2009, the year before the iPad debuted.

IU eTexts are powered by the Unizin Consortium’s Engage e-reading platform, which integrates with IU’s Canvas learning management system to provide secure access to course materials via any device. Digital materials can provide aggregated analytics that help faculty improve how they teach to help students learn.

Senior lecturer Nancy Evans, who teaches in the IU Bloomington Kelley School of Business, is an early adopter of eTexts.

“I do a lot of active learning in my courses, and if you don’t have the textbook you can’t really participate,” said Evans. “eTexts help each student—and the whole class— get the most out of teaching and learning.”