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LearningCurve

LearningCurve FAQ for Students

What are the minimum system requirements for LearningCurve?

Mac OS 10.2+
Safari 1.2+
Firefox 1.0.7+
For best results, make sure you use a supported platform and browser when accessing LearningCurve.


How do I enter my Student Access Code?

1. Go to your LearningCurve site.
2. Click on the "Enter Your Student Access Code" button on the right and enter the code exactly as it appears, including any dashes, and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you are using a Bedford Class in your course, DO NOT use the code printed in the book. Your LearningCurve activities are already inside the Class.


If I don't have a Student Access Code, can I buy access to LearningCurve?

Yes. If you don't have a Student Access Code, or the code in your book has already been used, you may purchase access to LearningCurve at the LearningCurve site. Simply click on the "Purchase Access" button on the right, and follow the on-screen instructions.


How do I log in to LearningCurve?

You can log in to LearningCurve after you have registered your Student Access Code.

  • Go to your LearningCurve site.
  • Click on the "Log in" button on the right. You must enter the e-mail address and password you entered when you registered your account.


What should I do if I forget my password?

If you've forgotten your password, click Log in and go to the link, "If you've forgotten your password, click here." Follow the instructions to enter your email address and we'll email you a link to reset your password.


What should I do if I forget my username?

Your username is the e-mail address you used to register. If you can't remember your username, then you should contact Tech Support.


What should I do if I have the correct username and password but still cannot log in to LearningCurve?

Try the following if you are unable to log in to LearningCurve.

1. You may have registered with a different e-mail address. Contact Tech Support to confirm your e-mail address.
2. Make sure that you are using a supported browser. If you are using Internet Explorer or Safari, try switching to Firefox. If you need to download Firefox, go to http://www.mozilla.org and follow the site's instructions. Contact Tech Support if you need help installing Firefox.
3. Make sure you are connected to the Internet. If you are on a wireless network, make sure you are receiving a signal. It's better to use a wired Ethernet connection when possible.
4. You might need to clear your browser's stored data. You can find directions on how to do this in your browser's help menu. If you need assistance with these instructions, contact Tech Support. Restart your browser and then return to the site and try again.


How do I contact Technical Support?

If you are unable to sort out any technical problems on your own, please contact Technical Support. E-mail techsupport@bfwpub.com or call toll-free 1-800-936-6899.

Phone hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM Eastern
Saturday, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Eastern

When you contact Technical Support, be sure to provide as much information as possible about the problem. The more information our Technical Support team has about the problem, the more quickly the problem can be resolved.


How do I associate an instructor e-mail address with my account?

After you purchase access or enter a Student Access Code, you'll be asked to select your institution, instructor, course, and section from a series of drop down menus.


Can I ever lose points that I've already earned in the activity?

No, you cannot. Unlike a traditional quiz, LearningCurve does not penalize you for answering a question incorrectly. The number of questions in the activity isn't set, so the number of total points you can earn does not decrease if you get a question wrong. If you guess incorrectly, ask for hints, or even give up, you will just need to answer more questions in order to reach the Target Score.


Is there any penalty for guessing incorrectly on a question?

You do not lose points you've already earned when you guess incorrectly, but each incorrect guess on a multiple choice question reduces the number of points you can earn on that question by 65%. For example, for a question initially worth 25 points, you would receive 9 points (rounded up from 8.75) for answering the question correctly after first guessing incorrectly. A correct answer after two incorrect guesses would give you 3 points (rounded down from 3.06).


Can I continue to work on a LearningCurve activity after completing the activity and/or after the activity's due date has passed?

Yes, you can continue to answer questions in the activity, even after you have completed the activity or after the due date has passed. In fact, you are encouraged to do so to keep reviewing the material! You can leave and return to the activity at any time you wish (e.g. to review before a midterm or final exam).


What types of questions are included in LearningCurve activities?

All LearningCurve activities are multiple choice. Click on any answer to select it. If the choice is incorrect, you can guess again, click a button to get a hint, or click "Show Me" to simply see the answer. No points are awarded if the "Show Me" button is clicked.


How is feedback given for LearningCurve questions?

You will receive immediate feedback as soon as you attempt to answer each LearningCurve question. If you guess incorrectly on a multiple choice question, you're usually given feedback on why the answer you chose is incorrect.


How many points is each question worth?

The initial point value for each question is determined by its level (harder questions are worth more than easier questions).


What are hints in LearningCurve?

Hints either provide you with quick tips to help you answer a question or remove incorrect choices one at a time, telling you each time why each removed answer is incorrect.


What happens when I access a hint on a question?

When you ask for a hint, you do not lose any points that you've already earned. However, the number of points you can earn for that particular question is reduced by 60%.


Can I consult course materials while completing a LearningCurve activity?

Yes! A link above every question connects you to your textbook for help with the question.


How is the Topic Score calculated?

The Topic Score is calculated as the total number of points you have earned from questions on that topic, divided by the total number of points you could have earned, had you gotten every question correct without hints or incorrect guesses. Every LearningCurve activity is designed to cover a certain set of topics; typically 3-5 topics will be covered in each activity.


How can I use my Topic Score and Personalized Study Plan to better prepare myself for quizzes and exams?

You can use LearningCurve to determine what you know and don't know about the concepts covered in each activity. To help organize subsequent review, you can view your Personalized Study Plan (PSP) at any time by clicking on the progress bar that appears below each question. The PSP shows your Topic Scores, ordered from lowest to highest. Clicking on each topic label reveals reference materials and/or other activities related to that topic.

Remember: you can always access your PSP between questions by clicking the "Take a Break" button, or from the activity start screen if you leave the activity and return to it later.