WebAssign Partners With Small Publisher to Create Surprisingly Affordable Prep Chemistry Online Course

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- WebAssign, the leading provider of powerful online instructional tools for college professors and students, announced this week it has formed a partnership with Chiral Publishing to provide a dramatically affordable beginning chemistry online learning solution.

WebAssign has created an exclusive, online homework solution – for just $40 – to support An Introduction to Chemistry, a widely adopted and acclaimed online eBook written by veteran author Mark Bishop, who also operates Chiral Publishing.  The course includes 2,400 coded problems linked to the author's eBook, complete with an integrated student solutions guide and many helpful tools, including animations, plus audio lectures, and instructor resources.

"Since our beginnings at North Carolina State University 14 years ago," said David Harris, president of WebAssign and former chemistry textbook publisher, "we have addressed the needs of the academic community by providing a robust online homework platform that supports more than 600 math and science texts from every major publisher.  Mark Bishop's proven preparatory chemistry text, now integrated within WebAssign, meets our goal of helping students master chemistry while providing exceptional value."

Harris added that affordability is a hallmark of the WebAssign-Chiral partnership since it costs students just $40 for the online eBook and homework system, with an affordably priced print text option, though he emphasized that students don't have to purchase the book to utilize the complete online course.

Moreover, Harris noted, the partnership supports multiple learning styles; provides faculty with an out-of-the-box solution to manage their beginning chemistry course; includes everything that WebAssign is noted for (online algorithmic homework that is instantly graded, immediate feedback to students, and complete grade management solution for faculty); and features a high-quality text authored by a veteran instructor that has been adopted by numerous schools.

The book's author said he has worked extensively to create a package of quality tools to support his text, but has frequently found instructors seeking an online homework system prior to making an adoption commitment.

"I am thrilled that I can also now offer an online homework solution," said Bishop, a professor at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif.  "My partnership with WebAssign has led to a fully integrated electronic text/tools/homework package that goes way beyond the traditional textbook."

Bishop said his decision to self-publish his chemistry textbook – despite the fact he formerly used a major publisher – has been "much more satisfying."

"I have been able to offer my work for a much lower price than other books in the same market," he said.  "Part of my payback is the pleasure I get from providing quality materials for a low cost to students who are struggling financially."

For more information about the complete Preparatory Chemistry online course, visit www.webassign.net/chemistry.  For more about WebAssign, call (800) 955-8275 or visit www.webassign.net.

About WebAssign | http://www.webassign.net

WebAssign is the leading provider of powerful online instructional tools for faculty and students. In brief, instructors create assignments online within WebAssign and electronically transmit them to their class. Students enter their answers online, and WebAssign automatically grades the assignment and gives students instant feedback on their performance. Much more than just a homework grading system, WebAssign delivers secure online testing, customizable precoded questions from a wide range of math and science textbooks, and unparalleled customer service. Students and teachers can access WebAssign from any computer with a connection to the Internet, so learning can take place anywhere, anytime. WebAssign is located on the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C.

SOURCE WebAssign