Digital Learning Resources

The same active reading techniques used when reading with physical materials are transferable to reading with digital materials. By utilizing the tools offered with the digital resource, you can highlight, annotate, and more, just as you would use a physical textbook. 

Although it is tempting to use the online resource purely for the text, using tools to engage with the reading is associated with a higher GPA and retention rate. 

  • Digital materials range from a scanned .pdf copy to fully interactive e-textbooks. The tools offered will vary depending on the material’s format.
  • Different classes will use different formats, so familiarize yourself with the formats your professors use.

  • Using digital resources and its tools also change depending on the hardware you use.
    • Most platforms recommend using a laptop or tablet to read, as digital resources are often not formatted for smartphones and can lead to compatibility issues. 

How to Access Your Textbooks

Accessing your textbooks shouldn’t be a hassle.  Watch the step-by-step video below to learn how to seamlessly access your course materials through Canvas.

Platform Tools and How to Use Them

The types of tools available will vary from platform to platform, and can include highlighting, annotating, bookmarking, searchable texts, and glossaries.

Just as with physical materials, the key to active learning is active reading. Skimming materials is not conducive to high retention rates and will be less effective than active reading.

Tip! Invest time into your academic success by familiarizing yourself with the tools and formats offered by different digital resource platforms at the beginning of the semester.

  • The Highlighter settings are within the Reader Preferences of an eTextBook view.  There you can turn on or off Fast Highlight, add or remove a highlighter from your My Highlighters list, manage your Shared Highlighters or the highlights you may be following, or enter an email to follow someone’s shared highlights.

  • In your eTextBook settings, you can find options to customize your reading material’s font size, and sometimes the font style, for better readability.

  • You can also find setting enhancements for your eTextBook that can assist with readability.  You can customize the tint to your page, or even switch to dark mode, helping to reduce eye strain.

  • When reading through your eTextBook, you can locate the different sections and chapters to skip to.

Steps to Actively Reading With Your Digital Resources

  • Finding an annotation app or program can help keep your online notes organized (ex. GoodNotes, Google Docs, OneDrive).
  • Your professor’s expectations can help inform this decision.
  • If possible, download your e-textbooks for when internet access is not available.

  • Use the “notes” feature, annotations, or pen and paper for better retention.
  • Prioritize handwritten notes for better retention.
    • Refer to class learning objectives to focus your reading.
    • Pay attention to titles, headers, and equations for key information.
    • Use highlighting and mark-ups purposefully. 

  • Review important concepts and vocabulary after reading.
  • Test yourself using sample questions, and avoid looking at answers until understanding is clear.
  • Focus on practicing and re-reading difficult sections rather than the entire chapter.

Enhancing Accessibility

Accessibility is crucial to ensuring that all students have equitable access to educational resources.  Explore the links below to discover a range of support services and tools designed to accommodate diverse learning needs and promote inclusivity across our campus.

For Accessibility Assistance, please visit or .

  • For VitalSource, you can reach support at  or . You can also check out .
  • For Pearson, you can get help from .
  • For support from Wiley, you can learn about and .