For educators and institutions striving to make higher education more accessible, the cost of course materials remains a significant barrier for students. Cengage Learning addresses this challenge head-on with Cengage Unlimited, a subscription service designed to provide comprehensive learning resources, including access to the powerful online learning platform, WebAssign. Since August 2018, students have collectively saved over $490 million nationwide using Cengage Unlimited, with 86% citing cost savings as a primary motivation for choosing the plan. This article delves into Cengage Unlimited and its integration with WebAssign, exploring how it can benefit both students and instructors.
What is Cengage Unlimited and WebAssign?
Cengage Unlimited is a groundbreaking subscription plan tailored for higher education students in the United States. It offers access to an extensive digital library of eTextbooks, online learning platforms, and study tools – all consolidated into one plan, at a single, affordable price. For courses utilizing Cengage resources, WebAssign stands out as a core component accessible through Cengage Unlimited. WebAssign is a flexible and robust online learning platform widely used in STEM disciplines and beyond, known for its powerful homework and assessment capabilities. Subscribing to Cengage Unlimited grants students access to WebAssign along with a wealth of other resources, creating a comprehensive learning ecosystem.
The Cost-Saving Advantage of Cengage Unlimited with WebAssign
The financial burden of course materials can be substantial. On average, students spend approximately $948 annually on textbooks and learning technology. Cengage Unlimited offers a significant cost-saving alternative, particularly for students enrolled in courses that utilize Cengage platforms like WebAssign. The subscription model provides various plan options: 4-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans, each unlocking access to WebAssign and the entire Cengage library.
Learn more about Cengage Unlimited
This approach drastically reduces expenses compared to purchasing individual textbooks and access codes for each course. For institutions seeking to lower student costs and improve affordability, Cengage Unlimited paired with WebAssign presents a compelling solution. To understand the savings impact at a school level, Cengage provides a savings map to illustrate the collective benefits.
Extended WebAssign Access with Cengage Unlimited for Multi-Term Courses
One of the standout features of Cengage Unlimited is its flexibility in providing WebAssign access for multi-term courses. Students enrolled in courses spanning multiple semesters, or those needing to retake a course, benefit significantly. Regardless of whether a student chooses a 4-month, 1-year, or 2-year Cengage Unlimited plan, they gain continuous access to WebAssign for the duration of their multi-term course sequence, provided the same textbook is in use.
Consider these examples:
- Example 1: A student taking a three-term Calculus sequence using the same textbook will have uninterrupted WebAssign access throughout all three terms with any Cengage Unlimited plan.
- Example 2: A Developmental Math student in a self-paced course or needing to retake the course in a subsequent term will retain access to their WebAssign course materials with Cengage Unlimited, facilitating continued learning and course completion.
Importantly, WebAssign access for multi-term courses extends even after the Cengage Unlimited plan expires, ensuring students can complete their coursework without interruption.
Broad WebAssign Product Inclusion and Added Benefits
Cengage Unlimited encompasses all textbook content within WebAssign, including materials from Cengage, OpenStax, OER (Open Educational Resources), and Basic Access WebAssign. This broad inclusion ensures comprehensive coverage for courses utilizing WebAssign.
Beyond core course materials and WebAssign access, Cengage Unlimited provides significant additional benefits. Students gain access to study skills resources and career readiness tools, fostering holistic student development. The enhanced navigation within WebAssign also allows students to seamlessly access their other Cengage courses and supplementary content, creating a unified and supportive learning environment.
Is Cengage Unlimited with WebAssign Right for Your Students?
Cengage Unlimited is particularly advantageous for:
- STEM students: Often requiring multiple Cengage resources across math, science, and engineering disciplines.
- Business majors: Enrolling in diverse courses that may utilize Cengage materials.
- Students taking multiple courses with Cengage materials: Maximizing the subscription’s value by accessing resources across various subjects.
For instructors, recommending Cengage Unlimited can significantly reduce the financial strain on students while ensuring they have access to high-quality learning tools, including WebAssign. By embracing Cengage Unlimited, educators can contribute to a more affordable and effective learning experience.
