Maricopa Book Requirements Etc.

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

Hi -

Hoping somebody can help with this, please. We had our orientation the other day, and received info about the CoursePoint online materials.

OK, so I'm probably totally over-thinking this, but why is the company called Wolters Kluwer but then goes by the name Lippincott, and is that relevant?

What is Course-Point exactly? Is that the name of their online resource and e-book center for nurses?

If I buy a hardcopy book, will I get a code to be able to access the online resources?

Is getting online absolutely necessary for class...for example, are some of the class requirements (eg quizzes etc.) conducted on the CoursePoint website? Essentially, what I'm saying is, if I was given a recent copy of the book but didn't have a code to get to CoursePoint, is that a problem in terms of class, or just that I would lose out on the access to supplemental materials?

In terms on note taking in class, did you guys use a lap-top or did you write by hand? I personally prefer to hand write, because the act of writing it helps me to learn, but lecture is 5-6 hours so that is a LOT of writing. The college provides laptops, you just have to bring in a flash-drive.

How critical are the suggested books? I am assuming the book list is the same for every Maricopa college, and in fact I assume that the curriculum is the same too??

Thanks

[rachaelofcourse]

Hi!

I have no advice on Course-Point or the books, because when I was in the program, we used Evolve/Elsevier. The colleges do not all use the same books; I know MCC used different books than we did at GWCC.

I took notes by hand on my iPad Pro, that way I wasn't using paper and could type if I was struggling to keep up. This worked well for me.

HTH!

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

Thank you!

[Starreacher26]

I am graduating this December so I am still a nursing student. We used Evolve/Elsevier not Course Point, so I don't exactly know what that is or how they compare. But what I can say, is MOST books have the options to buy online access codes as a separate entity. For example, I bought a used book which did not have an access code anymore. My teacher decided it was required to have online access. So, I went online and purchased access to the online content separately. I have done this on two separate occasions. Many books will allow you to buy a new access code from their website. This information is likely on the front pages of your book. Many of the nursing books access codes are purchased from Evolve Elsevier. Anyhow - don't know if this helps, but I hope it does.

PS If you have the option to choose between E-Books (Electronic Only) or traditional paper textbooks- I'd recommend you sticking to the paper textbooks. Students who had real textbooks tended to do better in my class. There was something about having tangible pages to write on, highlight on and flip to at a moment's notice, was ultimately more conducive to learning. That's just my opinion.

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

I am graduating this December so I am still a nursing student. We used Evolve/Elsevier not Course Point, so I don't exactly know what that is or how they compare. But what I can say, is MOST books have the options to buy online access codes as a separate entity. For example, I bought a used book which did not have an access code anymore. My teacher decided it was required to have online access. So, I went online and purchased access to the online content separately. I have done this on two separate occasions. Many books will allow you to buy a new access code from their website. This information is likely on the front pages of your book. Many of the nursing books access codes are purchased from Evolve Elsevier. Anyhow - don't know if this helps, but I hope it does.

PS If you have the option to choose between E-Books (Electronic Only) or traditional paper textbooks- I'd recommend you sticking to the paper textbooks. Students who had real textbooks tended to do better in my class. There was something about having tangible pages to write on, highlight on and flip to at a moment's notice, was ultimately more conducive to learning. That's just my opinion.

Yes - I MUCH prefer the hardcopy book. I've had classes online before and don't care for the e-book. From my understanding, we HAVE to buy the online access for CoursePoint for the reasons similar to what you gave - turning in work and so forth. I'm planning on purchasing a copy of the book, but probably the previous edition to save money - and using that along with the e-book.

Thank you so much for your advice - these books/e-books are so expensive, I don't want to make a mistake!

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

Oooh - one question you may all be able to help with, please?? I'm trying to figure out which kind of tote to buy. I currently have a rolling briefcase type thing that I'd like to use, but I'm not sure exactly what and how much will need to be taking to class each day.

For example - do we need to bring in every book? Or just a few? What else do you bring in? I was thinking a binder with paper, but then transfer it to a bigger binder when I get home, plus pens/highlighters/calculator and things like that.

As for the lab kit - do we need to bring that in, or is it left at the school. I know after ordering it, it will be delivered to the school but what happens after that?

On lecture days, do we cover a whole range of topics or do we tend to stick to one subject (in other words - which books should I need?)

Thanks!!

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

I just read about a really cool idea in an old post on here: they had used a blade to carefully remove the pages from their books and punched holes in them to add to a binder. If I purchase the previous edition of the book, it will be much cheaper, and I won't be too bothered about removing the binding. From my understanding I think we have to buy the online e-book/resource package, so I'll have access to the most up-to-date edition online, and can used the previous edition to write notes in. Removing the binding will allow me to add it to a binder and make it easier to tote around too!