Blended Teaching provides one time access codes to Bookstores and Inclusive Access providers, which they then pass on to students to use to sign up for a textbook with Blended Teaching. Sometimes they make mistakes, here's why and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Issues With Access Codes
The reason why your access code is not working is usually because your Bookstore or Inclusive Access provider has given you an incorrect code.
Here's some common reasons as to why the access code you have been given may have an issue.
1. It's been given to multiple people
The access codes we provide are for 1-time use, meaning you can use it to sign up once, but once you've used it, it's done. It can't be used again by someone else.
We have seen instances where bookstores give the same code to multiple people, and the first person to use the code signs up, and the remainder get an error.
2. It's not an access code for Blended Teaching
The access codes we provide are very specific and unique to Blended Teaching. There are instances where a bookstore has provided access codes for different providers by accident. If you try to use these, you will get an error.
All of our codes are 8 characters long, and are a string of letters and numbers, without special characters. So you can easily see if the code you have is related to Blended Teaching or not.
3. The code has an error in it
Sometimes the access codes are copied and pasted by people, and in the process end up missing off characters. So they become incomplete and won't work when you try to use them.
4. The access code is for the incorrect price
Our access codes all relate to a certain price (e.g. $74.99, 124.99, $149.99, etc.). A bit like a gift card for Starbucks.
Sometimes bookstores will accidentally give voucher codes for the incorrect amount to students.
When the students reach the checkout on Blended Teaching, the code is able to be used, but the amount related to the voucher code is not enough to cover the access price. In these instances, you will be asked to pay the difference at the Blended Teaching checkout.
What To Do If You Have An Issue
If you use your voucher code, but have an error when you get to the checkout, the issue is almost certainly coming from the Bookstore or Inclusive Access provider. So they will ultimately be the one to resolve it.
However, we may be able to help in diagnosing the issue, that you can then discuss with the bookstore.
Follow these steps:
Contact your bookstore and let them know that the access code is not working. Most of the time, they will tell you that it should work and it should be fine. But you know it's not working. In this case, you can ask for a replacement code. A bit like getting sent the wrong item by Amazon, they should be able to give you a replacement quickly.
Tell Blended Bot that your access code is not working and share your access code with them. We can then determine the cause of the issue with the code (whether it's been reused, etc.). We will also then reach out to the bookstore to let them know they are having an issue with distributing codes.