AstroPortal combines a fully customizable eBook, tutorials, conceptual learning aids, and homework management tools, all in one affordable and easy-to-use learning space. AstroPortal connects seamlessly with your campus course management system or can be used independent of any course management system.
AstroPortal Features:
Media–Enhanced eBook
Each AstroPortal contains a complete electronic version of its parent textbook in a dynamic interactive format. Powerful customization features allow instructors and students to make each eBook their own.
Interactive Tutorials
AstroPortal contains 44 self-guided tutorials designed to help students learn key concepts at their own pace, using a variety of media assets. Astronomy education researchers have carefully selected the tutorial topics to address instructor demand and the areas most prone to student misconceptions.
Animations and NASA Videos
Key graphics from the text have been transformed into user-controlled animations, displaying motion and change over time. The collection also includes additional animations on key concepts. AstroPortal also includes videos created by NASA and selected specifically by the textbook authors.
Personalized Study Plan
A series of quizzes organized by key concept and tied to textbook chapters and resources, the Personalized Study Plan offers users a unique and research-proven method to improve student understanding:
- Students take a quiz generated from a randomized collection of questions, each linked to a key concept. Two levels of quizzes are available: Self-Tests and Mastery Quizzes.
- Quiz results generate a report illustrating where students were successful and where they need help, along with links to resources that can help students improve on specific topics.
Scientific American News Feed
Astronomy–related stories are streamed directly into the AstroPortal and constantly updated. The 20 most recent articles appear on the homepage at all times. These articles can be assigned with one click and allow you to incorporate both relevance and critical thinking with minimal effort.
Instructor Resources:
Customization
With a wealth of opportunities for instructor customization, AstroPortal can be easily tailored to fit your course. Instructors have control over everything—appearance, organization, content, and more.Assignment Manager
AstroPortal's assignment manager is a central location for managing all homework, quizzing, and other activities for the course. Following a consistent format for creating and managing all assignment types, AstroPortal makes it easy to set out student work and adjust it as needed.
- Point-and-click functionality enables easy updating of due dates, point values, and assignment availability to students.
- Instructors can assign anything within AstroPortal, including quizzes, eBook sections, tutorials, animations, as well as their own added material.
- Instructors can easily create their own quiz or homework questions for automatic grading in the system.
AstroPortal Versions:
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AstroPortal to accompany Freedman, Universe, Eighth Edition
(available to students as a 6 month subscription for Universe: Solar System, 3e or Universe: Stars and Galaxies, 3e)  |
AstroPortal to accompany Comins, Discovering the Universe, Eighth Edition
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AstroPortal to accompany Comins, Discovering the Universe: From the Stars to the Planets, 1e
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