What Is ZyBooks?
Zybooks is an online educational platform that provides interactive digital textbooks for a variety of subjects, primarily focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Zybooks combines reading content with interactive elements such as animations, learning questions, and coding challenges to engage students and improve comprehension. It is designed to help students understand complex concepts in a more interactive and practical way, as opposed to traditional textbooks that rely on static text and images.
Zybooks are often used in computer science, engineering, and mathematics courses. They allow instructors to track student progress, assign activities, and customize the learning experience for their courses.
- Interactive, Customizable Content: Interactive tools like simulations, animations, and exercises that faculty can modify, reorder, or exclude to fit their course needs.
- Learning Questions: Inline questions that prompt students to reflect and apply what they’ve learned immediately, reinforcing understanding.
- Coding Practice: For programming courses, built-in coding environments allow students to practice and test code directly within the platform.
- Progress Tracking: Both students and instructors can track progress, with instructors able to view engagement metrics and completion rates.
- Collaboration: Some Zybooks offer discussion features for student interaction or Q&A with instructors.
Scope and Cost
Zybooks can be installed upon request from cirtlab@unf.edu. While faculty can create a free account with ZyBooks, all cost for the LTI application are associated with the purchase of an e-textbook and accompanying coursework materials. E-textbook prices may vary.
Canvas Integration
ZyBooks’ integration with Canvas offers several streamlined functionalities to enhance the experience for both instructors and students.
Canvas Integrations Include:
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Automatic Grade Syncing
- Assignment Linking and Grade Passback
- Course Customization
Requirements
Each zyBook is pay-to-access and provides web-native interactive content that helps students learn challenging topics, with auto-grading to provide immediate feedback on proficiency. These textbooks can be accessed in a web browser, and work best in Google Chrome.
Support Report
The implementation of a grading system for CIRT support not only facilitates efficient resource allocation but also fosters transparency in our service delivery. By self-grading our support levels as A+, B+, and C+, we provide faculty with a transparent framework that outlines the expected level of assistance they can anticipate when reaching out for help.
A support grade of “B+” represents a strong level of assistance, with our team possessing a solid understanding of the application or integration. While not reaching the pinnacle of expertise, “B+” nevertheless indicates proficiency and competence in addressing a wide range of issues. CIRT’s internal documentation remains robust, and our team is well-equipped to troubleshoot various challenges. Although there may be instances when reaching out to the vendor becomes necessary for more complex issues, causing support delays, especially when we lack administrative access. Users of applications and/or integrations with a “B+” grade can usually expect comprehensive resolutions to their issues when such resolutions are possible.
External Resources
To further empower UNF instructors, we provide direct links to the vendor’s support material, ensuring you have access to official resources and expert guidance. Furthermore, we curate and share external support documentation discovered online that may offer valuable insights or alternative perspectives. Our commitment is to provide you with a holistic support experience, combining our internal expertise with external resources to empower you in navigating the intricacies of this application.
Contact CIRT
For UNF faculty seeking to deepen their understanding of this application, schedule personalized training sessions, or initiate the installation process, we encourage you to reach out to the Center for Instruction and Research Technology at cirtlab@unf.edu (904-620-3927).
