Books & Ebooks

The text is divided in sections with appropriate content such as pre-assessments, excercises, and post assessment included. It would be difficult to use in a group student setting, unless the chapters are completed before class, to then have a discussion in class within small group settings. Topics included are those that will affect any indvidual in a school setting. It focuses on self exploration and how to make the most out of one's own college experiences.
This text doesn’t speak to those types of student experiences. New Books - (Unbundled/Loose Leaf) - You may be thinking that new books shouldn't even be considered when it comes to affordability. But, more and more publishers are going back to providing just the textbook required for certain courses, while continuing to offer bundles for students who require the extra content. Buying an unbundled book saves money, but check with the department for physiology that course first, so that you don't find yourself missing something important when class begins. Also, some publishers have created loose leaf versions of their textbooks, essentially a simplified packet you can slip into a binder, saving you on production costs that get added the price of most new books. Due to the lower overall logistical and production costs, digital course content is less expensive than the traditional printed textbooks.

Overall, this book is very easy to follow and find information. Buy Early - Get your books in-store oronlinewhen they become available for the coming semester. We don't recommend buying earlier than that, as faculty can change textbooks anytime before the start of the semester, and you could end with a book you can't use. Jackson State has installed a print control system on all campus printers.
One of the areas I would like to see additional content is in the section on critical thinking in the chapter entitled "Thinking about Thought". The text makes it easy to adapt the order of the chapters to the needs of the students and the aims of the course. The text provides students with an accurate account of college life and what it takes to be a successful student. The text presents topics in an easy to read manner applicable to a large cross section of student reading abilities.

Links to resources websites worked and are very useful for students. The author organized the book into chapters that are organized into sections. Students can survey themselves to know where they are at in their lives, where they want to be and ways they can get there. The author also includes resources links, tips and checkpoint exercises. At the end of each chapter the author presents a list of key takeaway points from the chapter that really summarizes the chapter.
The textbook covers the major topics for student success that would be expected in a book that is now several years old. However, it does not include enough information about online learning to be used as a comprehensive guide for students who may be taking primarily online or hybrid classes. As an example, Chapter 4 on note-taking from lectures could use some updating to include taking notes from videos, slide shows, or other online media. Still, this is actually a small failing, and one that can be fixed with some adaptation of the text and/or supplementation through discussion or outside resources. College Success takes a comprehensive approach to a student's preparation for college.
The writing style, terminology, objectives and activities are consistent from chapter to chapter, which flow together well in a logical and effective format. A majority of the content is fine because it is not necessarily time sensitive. However, I was not very pleased with some of the web links or links to supplemental materials (e.g.,a handout about transparencies?). The topics are presented in a logical, organized and clear fashion with a pattern in each chapter that students would find helpful. There were occasional relevance to research on the variety of topics presented but these would be relatively easy to update as time goes on and new research occurs. This book seems to be easier to use than traditional e-textbooks.

It may be more effective to cut back on some of the content and reduce the number of pages overall to provide a more concise guide. The chapters and subsections are easy to navigate, could be used in a custom order and remixed or reorganized. Chapters open with learning objectives and self-assessments that set up the lesson/chapter content, and close with key takeaways and check point exercises.
The language used is generally appropriate and effective in conveying the intended meaning. A glossary of technical terms/definitions used in each chapter would be a welcome addition to any forthcoming revision. Instructors may wish to assign sections rather than whole chapters to facilitate students actually reading in an active manner.
The comprehensive topics included contribute to the longevity of the text and would allow for content to be updated easily. More relevant images and activities would likely better connect learners to this resource. Chapters include cross references to connect to issues/topics in other chapters. Each chapter includes delineated subsections, each beginning with learning objectives. Checkpoint exercises and extension activities are clearly labeled.

The maximum possible return on a used book is 50% of the current new book price. As a service to students, the Bookstore sells used textbooks, allowing you to sell your books back and for your fellow students to benefit from older, reduced cost books. Students using financial aid as means of payment must have a current term student ID card at time of purchase. We recommend you visitthis financial aid pagefor a worksheet and additional information on how you can successfully use excess financial aid funds at the HCC Bookstore. Books by eCampus is now the college's online textbook provider! Students from all Westmoreland locations can take advantage of several purchasing options including new, used, rental, ebook and marketplace.
The DDA ebook is paid for by a DDA fee on your tuition and fees. Students do have the option to opt-out of the DDA ebook and fee. Consult your instructor or the bookstore for more information. The College Store is operated for the convenience of students, faculty and staff. In addition to supplies for classes, the store stocks Westmoreland and Wolfpack Athletics clothing and gift items.

I appreciate the consistency of the formatting including the learning objectives, content, and optional activities. Everything is at the professors fingertips and students can return to the text when needed. This would be wonderful for our Freshmen Experience class. As the Director of our First-Year Seminar, I am always looking affordable, relevant and engaging material for students. Over the past several years, we moved away from using a textbook for multiple reasons, but price being the biggest barrier. After review this text, as part of OER, I would consider using such materials in the future.