More Students at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Will Use Digital Course Materials Next Fall

FORT WAYNE, Ind., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), in partnership with Follett, today announced the expansion of a new course material program designed to help improve student success.

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Follett's includED^® program provides students with access to both print and digital materials from any publisher, and addresses the barriers that have prevented many schools from offering course materials with tuition. The includED program is fully scalable through Follett's proprietary technology, which seamlessly matches students with their correct course materials.

By paying one, discounted fee at registration, students participating in the includED program gain easy access to all their required course materials, saving time and money. In just one year, the includED program at IPFW has grown from an initial pilot of 40 students in two course sections to more than 3,800 students. This fall, the school projects more than 5,200 students will participate.

IPFW has long recognized the importance of investing in digital technology, but struggled to give students easy access to digital course materials. Many students waited several weeks into the semester to purchase materials. Through Follett's new includED program, the school now offers students easy, single-sign-on access to digital course materials on or before the first day of class. The program also addresses a pain point for faculty who often found themselves taking up valuable class time to address digital course material access issues.

"Follett's includED program helps students save money and improves access to digital course materials," said Samantha Birk, Associate Director for Instructional Technologies at IPFW. "Follett worked with us to identify the best strategic solutions and helped us make the most of our investments in digital technologies."

IPFW students have overwhelmingly supported the program because of its savings and convenience. In a recent survey (IRB #1211012963), more than one-third of IPFW students said they have decided to go without a required textbook. With the includED program, students paid on average 40-60 percent less than the price of a new textbook. In one IPFW calculus course (MA 229/230), students saved nearly 70 percent when compared to the price of a new textbook previously used in the course.

The includED program has been implemented in a variety of courses, including language, social sciences, math and applied science classes.

Unlike other text with tuition initiatives, includED gives faculty the freedom to choose materials that fit their educational needs versus selecting from a pre-determined list of materials from a limited number of publishers. IPFW Professor Emeritus and Continuing Lecturer Josh R. Gerow, of the department of psychology, says the reason the includED program has grown so quickly is because the program has been easy for faculty to use.

"includED gained traction through word-of-mouth, first in departments, and then faculty-wide," said Gerow. "Faculty wanted to be a part of the program because it ensures students are prepared with the required materials, making instruction more effective."

Studies show¹ that more than a third of students have decided not to acquire a required textbook, and that less than a third of students acquire all their required course materials by the first day of class.

"The includED program helps schools address this reality by providing students with more affordable access to the materials they need to succeed," said Tom Christopher, President, Follett Higher Education Group. "includED provides schools with a scalable, long-term solution to help drive student success."

"With includED, Follett's role has truly shifted from a service provider to an advisor and a strategic resource," said Birk. "IPFW's campus store helped source and identify the right content and worked hand-in-hand with faculty, administrators and publishers to make the transition easy."

Follett has implemented the includED program at schools on all levels of education, including Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana and St. Mark's High School. The program is expanding rapidly and Follett is currently working closely with more than 200 schools to explore the program.

To learn more about Follett's includED program, visit FollettForward.com.

¹Source: Follett Student Survey 2012, by Follett Higher Education Group, February 2012.

About Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne
Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne is the largest university in northeast Indiana, offering more than 200 prestigious IU and Purdue degrees and certificates. Nearly 14,000 students of diverse ages, races, and nationalities pursue their education on our 682-acre campus. IPFW combines challenging academic programs with student-centered flexibility at an affordable price. The university's exemplary standards in teaching and research provide unparalleled value for career preparation and professional development in an ever-changing global market. The university's commitment to service makes it an economic, cultural, and societal leader in the region. IPFW is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access University accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 

About Follett Corporation
Since 1873, Follett has served as the trusted partner in education for students and educators at all levels of learning. Today Follett delivers physical and digital learning materials, retail services, school content and management systems to more than 70,000 early childhood, primary and secondary schools, and on more than 1,000 college campuses. Headquartered in River Grove, Illinois, Follett is a $2.7 billion privately-held company.

SOURCE Follett Corporation