The search for cheaper textbooks has been made easier for students through MyEdu.
The service now offers a free, price-comparing search engine.
Based on the student’s class schedule, the search engine compares the rental and purchase prices of required textbooks from websites, such as Amazon, Chegg and eBay.
“MyEdu uses official, university course book lists to show students which books are required for registered classes,” Kathryn Walker, MyEdu media coordinator, said. “You can see which textbook is required for a specific class, and the price-comparison engine will automatically show you all your required textbooks for the semester.”
Jen Bidwell, printmaking senior, said she already searches for textbooks online when the time comes to purchase them.
“I use Amazon or Half.com for textbooks,” Bidwell said. “You can often get a new book at prices far less than the bookstore. I’d appreciate the links to other websites, just to save a step.”
Students can register to use the service at any time on the MyEdu website, located at www.myedu.com.
The website also has a Facebook feature that allows students to see which classes their friends are taking and register for them together.
MyEdu also offers other tools students can use when they are registering for classes.
These include an automatic class scheduler that helps students create their ideal class schedule based upon time of day and ratings on professors.
The professor ratings are based on reviews from other students, detailing the pros and cons of different teachers and classes.
There is also a professor GPA feature available that incorporates drop rates and grades from A’s through F’s.
“The professor GPA feature shows the grades professors have given in the past,” Walker said.
Another feature is a college credit manager that helps students track their course credits and how they apply to their major.
A day planner and timeline can also help students plan their courses through graduation.
“Students are able to sync with the courses in their schedule,” Walker said. “They can build a semester-by-semester plan to graduation, ensuring they stay on track.”
MyEdu additionally hosts various contests on the website. One was called “MyEdu Madness,” a bracket-style tournament that played off of the NCAA March Madness.
“Student users from each school [played] as a team and [got] points for new users signing up for MyEdu or writing professor reviews,” Walker said.
Administrators, advisers and students at about 780 colleges and universities across the U.S. utilize the MyEdu website. The website was founded in 2008 and launched in 2009.
By JENNIFER HARRINGTON
Staff
jeharrin@umail.iu.edu