Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Learning Technology Guide - DEV

MindTap*

content deliverylearning object creatorinteractive

What is it?

MindTap is an online platform filled with ready-made content aligned with different textbooks that can be accessed directly from a learning management system or offered as a standalone resource. 

What is its purpose?

MindTap can help instructors improve student engagement and performance though the use of interactive content, flashcards, pre-made practice quizzes, etc. It provides a variety of developed courses, including e-textbooks, PowerPoint lectures, and assignments.

How do I use it?

The procedure for using MindTap depends on whether or not you use a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Brightspace. When MindTap is used with the institution's LMS, both instructors and students can access it directly through the LMS. MindTap is also accessible via the Cengage website where instructors and students can create an account and sign in to the platform. After creating a course, instructors can distribute the URL to their students in order to provide access to their course. Students can also use a Cengage mobile app, compatible with Android and iOS devices, to access the MindTap platform. More information can be found within the MindTap Instructor Help platform.

Why would I use it?

  • MindTap is a flexible and easy-to-use platform.
  • It helps build student confidence and gives instructors a clear picture of their progress.
  • With MindTap, instructors do not need to create a lesson from scratch.
  • It provides Faculty Partner Network feature which allows faculty to exchange MindTap success strategies, best practices, and implementation experiences.
  • MindTap can be embedded into different learning management systems such as Brightspace, Blackboard, and Canvas.
  • It provides a variety of e-textbooks that are accompanied with interactive content, flashcards, pre-made assignments and quizzes.
  • MindTap also offers such useful features as note-taking, dictionary, and text highlighter.

Usage considerations

MindTap is not free and requires a subscription. Advanced features of the main tool are limited on the mobile app. Since MindTap assignments are pre-made, available for students worldwide, and the answers/keys can be easily shared, MindTap may not provide the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty.

Quick Facts
Category
Content Delivery
Rating Level 
Web Search
Website
MindTap*
Last Modified
10 November 2021
Created
27 May 2021
License Available 
No
More Info

Security Concerns
Yes
Technical Support 
Platform(s) 
Brightspace, Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, and Cengage

Ratings Information

CITL Rating

Select any category below for details about the criteria for each rating.

Functionality: ★★★
Scale:★★★
Works Well.
Ease of Use:★★★
Works Well.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Instructors):★★☆
Minor Concerns. Minor Concerns; No campus-wide technical support is available.
Tech Support/Help Availability (for Students):★★☆
Minor Concerns. Minor Concerns; No campus-wide technical support is available.
Hypermediality :★★★
Works Well.
Accessibility: ★★★
Accessibility Standards:★★★
Works Well.
User-focused participation:★★★
Works Well.
Required Equipment:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Some features of the tool require equipment that is common and/or purchased at a low cost such as a microphone, webcam, and speakers.
Technical: ★★★
Integration/Embedding within a Learning Management System (LMS) :★★★
Works Well.
Operating Systems:★★★
Works Well.
Web Browser:★★★
Works Well.
Additional Technical Requirements:★★★
Works Well.
Mobile Design: ★★☆
Access:★★★
Works Well.
Functionality:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Core features of the main tool are functional on the mobile app but advanced features are limited.
Offline Access:★★☆
Minor Concerns. The tool can be used offline but core functionality and content are affected.
Usage and Account Set Up: ★★☆
Sign Up/Sign In:★★☆
Minor Concerns. Users need to create an account and purchase a subscription.
Cost of Use:★☆☆
Serious Concerns. Use of the tool requires a fee or subscription.
Archiving, Saving, and Exporting Data :★★★
Works Well.
Data Privacy and Ownership:★★★
Works Well.
Social Presence: ★★★
Collaboration :★★★
Works Well.
User Accountability:★★★
Works Well.
Diffusion:★★★
Works Well.
Teaching Presence: ★★★
Facilitation:★★★
Works Well.
Customization:★★★
Works Well.
Learning Analytics:★★★
Works Well.
Cognitive Presence: ★★★
Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s):★★★
Works Well.
Higher Order Thinking:★★★
Works Well.
Feedback on Learning:★★★
Works Well.

Security and Privacy

The service is not offered by Memorial University and has not been reviewed by Information Management and Protection.

Support Information

MindTap Training Resources offer support, quick start guides, FAQs, and different training resources for instructors and students.

Users can also have access to chat and phone support by signing in to their accounts. 

Note: Instructional Support is available through CITL. Please connect with Learning Technology Coaches for assistance ltc_citl@mun.ca or visit the Teaching and Learning Exchange in ED 1001, St. John’s Campus.

Contact

Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

230 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, NL, CANADA, A1B 3X9

Postal Address: P.O. Box 4200, St. John's, NL, CANADA, A1C 5S7

Tel: (709) 864-8000