• Supplemental Resources for OpenStax Textbooks

    OpenStax provides four types of supplemental resources for each textbook: Instructor Resources, Student Resources, Technology Partner Resources, and an OER Commons Hub. Instructors can view and download course materials on the Instructor Resources tab but must request and verify an OpenStax Educator account to access assessment materials....

  • Student steps for accessing OpenStax textbooks and Student Resources

    To get started with OpenStax, visit openstax.org/subjects, select your textbook category, click the book cover to open its details page, and choose a format under "Get the book" to read online or download a PDF. If you prefer a physical copy, select "Order a print copy" on the book page to purchase through OpenStax’s print partner or your...

  • Sign Up: “Value Has Already Been Taken” Message

    The "Value has already been taken" error means the email you entered is already linked to an OpenStax account or an account was created with that email but not yet verified. You should either log in with that email and your password, verify the email by clicking the link sent to your inbox or spam folder and resend the confirmation if...

  • Locating the OpenStax textbooks

    To access an OpenStax textbook, go to the Subjects page on openstax.org, select the category, click the desired book cover or title, and choose the preferred format under "Get the book" on the book details page. PDF and online formats are available for free. Instructors may link the book details page in syllabi and should encourage...

  • How to Create a Student Account on OpenStax.org

    To create a student account on OpenStax, go to openstax.org, click Log in, select Sign up, choose the Student role, enter your name, email, and a password of at least eight characters, and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. Check your email for a six-digit PIN from noreply@openstax.org, enter the PIN to confirm your account,...

  • How do I create an OpenStax Assignable assignment in Brightspace by D2L?

    This guide explains how to create assignments in Brightspace by D2L using OpenStax content. The process begins by logging into Brightspace, navigating to your course, selecting Content, and accessing OpenStax through the Existing Activities dropdown menu. You will need to link your instructor-verified OpenStax account during the initial...

  • OpenStax and ADA guidelines

    OpenStax prioritizes accessibility and works to ensure its webpages and learning materials support the widest range of learners. The organization partners with Level Access for ongoing audits and testing by experts, including people with disabilities, and seeks compliance with WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 at Level AA and Section 508 of the...

  • How to Change the Text Size in the Online View of the Textbook

    OpenStax provides multiple methods to adjust font size when viewing textbooks online. To use the built-in feature, navigate to the OpenStax Subjects page, select your textbook category, choose "View Online" from the Get the book menu, and click the AA icon on the right side of the search bar. A slider will appear that allows you to...

  • How do I enable third-party cookies?

    OpenStax Assignable requires third-party cookies to function within Learning Management Systems through LTI integration. Users experiencing access issues should enable third-party cookies in their browser settings. For Chrome, navigate to Settings, then Privacy and security, then Cookies and other site data, and ensure Block third-party...

  • What is the authoring and peer-review process for OpenStax textbooks?

    OpenStax creates textbooks by hiring faculty and subject-matter experts from across the country to write and collaborate on content. The drafts undergo an extensive peer review and editorial process before publication. Most OpenStax authors, writers, editors, and reviewers are practicing academics and instructors selected based on their...

  • Kinetic FAQs

    OpenStax Kinetic is a research platform that connects higher-education learners with learning science studies while providing them with scientifically backed study techniques and opportunities to earn rewards. Launched in January 2022 as part of Rice University's OpenStax, the platform serves both learners and researchers. Learners...

  • How do you use my email address if I create an OpenStax account?

    OpenStax, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Rice University, uses email addresses solely to send updates about their textbooks and resources. They do not sell email addresses or send third-party marketing communications. Users may opt out of email communications at any time. Instructors receive tailored updates specific to the...

  • Kinetic Learner/Student FAQs

    This FAQ addresses common questions for learners and students using OpenStax Kinetic. Participants receive study feedback and learning techniques from researchers at Rice University and partner institutions, along with personalized insights to improve their learning effectiveness. Studies cover topics such as personality, memory, learning...

  • Purchasing an OpenStax textbook on Amazon

    This article explains how to identify official OpenStax print copies on Amazon and how to handle returns. OpenStax books are published under Creative Commons licenses, allowing third parties to sell unofficial versions that may differ from the official textbooks. To ensure you receive an official copy, verify that Amazon, OpenStax, or...

  • OpenStax textbook licensing and customization

    OpenStax textbooks are published under Creative Commons licenses, allowing you to distribute, remix, adapt, and translate the content. You must include an attribution that credits OpenStax and links to the free online textbook. Pre-formatted attributions appear at the bottom of every page in online and PDF formats and should be included...

  • How do I reset my OpenStax account password?

    This article provides instructions for resetting or changing your OpenStax account password. To reset a forgotten password, navigate to OpenStax.org, click Log in, then select the Forgot your password link. Enter your email address and click Reset my password. You will receive a reset email from noreply@openstax.org with a link to create...

  • How do I report a content issue in an OpenStax Assignable question or content?

    OpenStax Assignable customers can report content issues through the errata submission process directly within the platform. To submit a report, click the exclamation point triangle icon in the upper left corner to access the form, then complete and submit it. Users may attach supporting files such as screenshots by clicking the Add file...

  • How do you determine what books you publish?

    OpenStax selects titles to publish with the goal of increasing access to education for students. The organization considers two primary factors when deciding which titles to publish: the number of students taking the course nationwide and the cost of existing textbooks for that course. Expansion into new courses depends on whether a new...

  • Do you have .epub versions of your books?

    OpenStax has discontinued EPUB format downloads due to low usage, with only approximately 1 percent of readers utilizing this format, and the associated maintenance costs. The platform currently provides textbooks in four formats: online web view, PDF, DOCX, and print. Readers can visit OpenStax.org to determine which formats are...

  • Audio options for OpenStax titles

    OpenStax offers various accessibility options, including screen-reader compatibility, alt text for images, and text-to-speech via browser features, extensions, or built-in tools like Apple VoiceOver and Android TalkBack. Some titles are available on Bookshare in DAISY, audio, and braille-compatible formats. Faculty-created audiobooks are...

  • How do I get started in OpenStax Assignable as a student?

    To complete an OpenStax Assignable assignment, first log in to your Learning Management System (LMS), such as Blackboard, Canvas, D2L/Brightspace, or Moodle. Navigate to your course page and select the OpenStax Assignable assignment assigned by your instructor. Upon your initial attempt, you will need to agree to OpenStax's Terms of...

  • When do you publish revisions?

    OpenStax revises textbooks through a continuous process throughout the year. Online versions are updated periodically based on user-submitted errata reports, with changes made in collaboration with subject matter experts and author approval. PDF and print versions are revised once annually at the end of the academic year when substantial...

  • Errata correction process

    OpenStax reviews all user-submitted errata through subject matter experts to maintain editorial standards. Online textbook versions are updated twice annually at semester end. PDF and print formats receive updates over the summer when substantial changes exist. The annual release schedule for print updates prevents page number changes...

  • What version of my book is on OpenStax.org?

    OpenStax.org displays only the most recent version of each textbook and does not show previous versions. This policy exists for two primary reasons. First, versioned links created confusion among students and instructors, as students were uncertain whether to use the current or previous version when encountering older links. Second,...

  • Why can't I find the answer to some questions online or in a solutions manual?

    OpenStax provides answers to only some textbook exercises, following a standard approach of offering randomized or every-other-answer sets as recommended by faculty. This gives instructors flexibility in assignments, allowing them to choose questions with available answers for student reference or alternate questions without immediate...

  • Highlighting and note-taking in your OpenStax textbook

    OpenStax textbooks offer highlighting and note-taking features in the Online View that allow users to highlight text in multiple colors, add notes, and create study guides. These features are available on openstax.org and require an account to use. Desktop and laptop users have full functionality, including the ability to create, edit,...

  • What happens after I submit an errata request?

    When you submit an errata request through the errata tool, you will receive email updates as it moves through the review process. Your submission will appear in the Errata List on the book's details page under the Errata section, where you can view all submissions and filter them by status, including in review and reviewed and corrected....

  • Troubleshooting Common Issues in Assignable 

    When experiencing loading issues or glitch errors with assignments in Assignable, several troubleshooting steps should be followed. Start by opening an incognito or private browsing window to rule out cached data or extension conflicts, and accept cookies when prompted. Ensure third-party cookies are enabled in browser settings, as the...

  • Assignable Student Guides for Canvas

    This resource provides video guides and troubleshooting tips for students using OpenStax Assignable in Canvas. The content includes separate video guides for college students and K-12 students, along with instructions on how to pay for access to the platform. For troubleshooting common assignment loading issues and errors, students should...

  • Assignable Student Guides for Brightspace by D2L

    This guide provides video tutorials and troubleshooting assistance for students using OpenStax Assignable in Brightspace by D2L. The resource includes separate video guides for college students, K-12 students, and instructions on paying for access to OpenStax Assignable. For common technical issues such as assignments not loading or...

  • Assignable Student Guides for Blackboard Learn

    This resource provides video guides and troubleshooting tips for students using OpenStax Assignable in Blackboard Learn. The page includes four main sections: a College Student Guide with instructional videos, payment instructions for accessing OpenStax Assignable, a K-12 Student Guide, and troubleshooting solutions for common technical...

  • Assignable Student Guides for Blackboard Ultra

    This FAQ provides video guides and troubleshooting tips for using OpenStax Assignable in Blackboard Ultra. The resource includes four main sections: a College Student Guide, instructions on how to pay for access to OpenStax Assignable, a K–12 Student Guide, and Troubleshooting Common Issues. The troubleshooting section addresses...

  • Assignable Student Guides for Moodle

    This guide provides video tutorials and troubleshooting support for using OpenStax Assignable in Moodle. The resource covers four main topics: a College Student Guide, instructions on how to pay for access to OpenStax Assignable, a K–12 Student Guide, and troubleshooting common issues. If assignments fail to load or errors occur, students...

  • Assignable Student Guides for Schoology

    This FAQ provides video guides and troubleshooting tips for getting started with OpenStax Assignable in Schoology. The content includes separate student guides for college and K–12 levels, instructions on how to pay for access to OpenStax Assignable, and solutions for common technical issues. When troubleshooting problems with assignments...

  • Editing and deleting highlights and notes on desktop or laptop

    This FAQ answer explains how to manage notes and highlights in the system. To edit a note, click the three dot icon on the note-card, select Edit, make your changes, and click the orange Save button. To delete a highlight without a note, click on the highlight and select the circle with the check mark. To delete a highlight that has a...

  • Troubleshooting reCAPTCHA Issues During Account Sign Up

    This answer provides troubleshooting steps for reCAPTCHA issues during account creation. The recommended browsers are Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Users should switch to one of these browsers if using a different option. A hard refresh may resolve the problem: on Mac, press command + shift + R; on Windows PC, press control + shift +...

  • How do I submit a support ticket in Assignable?

    Submitting a ticket from within OpenStax Assignable enables developers to collect necessary technical details for efficient issue resolution. To submit a ticket, log into your LMS platform, navigate to Assignments from the left menu, and select the assignment experiencing the error. Click Help on the right side of the screen, then select...

  • Are print versions of the books available?

    OpenStax books are available in affordable print versions for both individual buyers and campus bookstores. Individual customers can purchase softcover textbooks through OpenStax's print partner, Kendall Hunt, by navigating to the OpenStax website, selecting their desired subject category, locating the specific book, and choosing "Order a...

  • Logging in to your OpenStax account

    Go to openstax.org and click the Log in link in the top-right or center of the screen. Enter your email and password and click Continue to access your account. If you forget your password, click the Forgot your password? link to reset it following the provided instructions. Thank you for your time.

  • Managing your OpenStax account log in information

    This article explains how to manage your OpenStax Account Profile. After logging in, open Account Profile from the menu under your name to add additional email addresses, enable other login methods (Google, Facebook, or password), and reset your password. To add an email, use the add an email link and confirm via the confirmation message...

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