Learning Materials in your Course

Obtaining Your Course Materials

The TAWC Academic Team strives to provide Open Education Resources (OER) at little to no cost whenever possible, however some courses might require you to purchase a book, software, or lab.

Please review the syllabus and Canvas for what is required for each course you take so you are prepared and have what you need to complete the assignments. Reach out to your instructor if you have any question about the learning materials.

Textbooks

• When to purchase your textbooks: Three weeks prior to the start of your course. Although you may know which books you need for future sessions, the required textbooks may change prior to the start of your course as part of course improvement. Please refrain from purchasing your books until three weeks prior.
• Where to purchase your textbooks: To decrease costs, you can consider renting your textbooks from Bay Path’s bookstore, or searching for your books on external websites, such as Chegg or Amazon.
• Access to included homework systems: Some textbooks may include access to homework platforms, such as Pearson MyLabs or McGraw-Hill Connect. Be sure to follow instructions outlined in your syllabus to access these materials.

Day One Access

Within your online accelerated courses, there is a Day One Access, you will have immediate access to your digital courseware once your courses open in Canvas! No need to order a book or pay out-of-pocket for materials. These materials, which take many forms, are available in your Canvas course immediately when the session starts. The bookstore will email you with any steps for activating the material, if necessary.  The cost of Day One Access materials will be automatically included in your bill.

One common type of content available to you through the Day One Access program is KnowledgePath (KP).

KnowledgePath

What is KnowledgePath?

KnowledgePath, also referred to as “KP,” takes advantage of the power of adaptive technology and allows students to travel individual pathways through visual learning maps, which instructors and students can both see. KnowledgePath adapts to your learning style by providing various methods of instruction such as videos, texts, podcasts, etc. We have built it into many of our most popular courses at The American Women’s College.

How do I use it?

We have posted a resource called “Using KnowledgePath” in each Canvas course that utilizes KnowledgePath. It includes instructional videos that show you how to navigate KnowledgePath and answers to common questions you may have.

Where will I see KnowledgePath?

KnowledgePath is an assignment in your Canvas classroom that displays your course materials in a learning map. This map is your own unique learning path that allows you to pass through concepts you may already know. It also will identify and allow you to focus on any material that you may struggle with.

Your instructor can follow along with your progress and offer targeted feedback and intervention to help you along the way.  In hybrid courses, your instructor will review the class’s learning maps to tailor the classroom experience. Many students say it’s like having their own personal tutor!

Labs

Some online accelerated courses, primarily in the sciences and cybersecurity, include home laboratory kits. These kits offer a hands-on learning experience and will be mailed directly to your preferred address prior to the start of your course. Laboratory kits will include everything you will need in order to execute the lab (chemicals, equipment, etc.) and are comparable to what you would see/do in a “regular” college science classroom.

One advantage to learning lab skills through the use of home kits is that students are able to work independently and everyone gets a chance to experience the experiment (as opposed to being required to work in groups in many traditional classrooms due to lack of supplies or equipment). Some online courses will utilize a virtual simulation laboratory setting that you will access via your computer from links provided to you in the course. This will mirror that of a science lab, but application of experiments are completed using your computer (no materials shipped).

For students enrolled in traditional on-campus labs, all lab materials will be provided in the lab course itself for your hands-on learning experience.