Fact:
81% of students
identify SAM as a
key factor in
preparing to use
the Office
applications in real
world settings
Source: Project Tomorrow
Engaged with you.
SAM
Getting Started with your
Course in Desire2Learn
“I have become
more proficient in
my current job due
to using Word and
Excel on a daily
basis. I have
learned to make
some parts of my
job much easier and
more efficient.”
-Student
Engaged with you.
SAM is designed to prepare you to utilize the most
widely-used application software (Microsoft Office),
operating systems (Windows 7 and Windows 8) and
Computer Concepts (learning the language of
technology) through hands-on simulated Trainings, livein-the-application Projects and interactive Assessments,
SAM helps you master computer skills that are essential
to your success in the classroom and workplace.
Access Your
Campus LMS
Log in with your username and
password.
** The login page will vary by campus.
Engaged with you.
Access Your
Course
Your course will include a
combination of links to content
provided by your instructor
and Cengage Learning.
You will need your access
code (or have the ability to
purchase access) the first time
you click on one of the links.
Cengage Resources are
identified with a link icon as
pictured here.
Engaged with you.
Payment
Options
Option 1: Purchase online
Option 2: Already purchased
an access code? Redeem
your code here
Option 3: Or buy later and
start your trial access
(available for a limited time
after class start date)
Engaged with you.
Payment
Option 1
Enter your 14 digit access
code that you received with
your textbook bundle, or
purchased from a course-
specific website.
Engaged with you.
Payment
Option 2
Purchase online with a credit /
debt card or PayPal account.
Engaged with you.
Option 3:
Go directly to your course and
pay later.
Once the grace period ends,
you will need to enter an access
code or pay online.
Engaged with you.
SAM
After completing one of the
three payment options, you will
be taken directly into your
course materials. Please be
aware that these resources will
open in a new tab or window, so
you will want to make sure that
you allow popups. Click Enter.
Engaged with you.
SAM
Assignments
There are 3 different types of
assignments inside of SAM:
Training – Interactive/simulated practice
opportunities to develop skills and
knowledge of Microsoft Office and
Computer Concepts
Exams – interactive assessments that
measure proficiency and knowledge
Projects – automatically graded, live in
the application assignments that engage
students in creating real word, business
related documents such as resumes,
presentations and spreadsheets
Engaged with you.
Welcome to SAM Reports
Once you have completed
assignments you will be able to get
immediate feedback and other helpful
reports here.
Study Guide- Remediation to
trainings and the reader
Project Reports- once you submit a
project SAM will automatically grade it
and provide feedback in your
document
Engaged with you.
Access your
eText
SAM also includes a digital
version of your textbook. You
will have access to a variety of
tools to help you study.
You can take notes, highlight,
access key terms and more.
Engaged with you.
Need Help?
Begin by Submitting a Support Case via
the Cengage Technical Support Link in
your Learning Management System
Questions?
We’re Here
to Help!
Once your case is submitted, you’ll
receive a case ID and access to 24/7
email or live chat!
Or you can speak with an agent by
calling the phone number provided upon
your case submission.
Phone Support:
Monday through Thursday:
8:30am to 9:00pm (EST)
Friday: 8:30am to 6:00pm (EST)
Engaged with you.
Don’t see a Technical Support
Link in your Course?
Notify your instructor and ask them to
add the LMS Technical Support link.
You can contact Technical Support
outside of your campus LMS by visiting
www.cengage.com/support
If submitting from outside your LMS,
please choose MindLinks as your
product.
Tracking your
Support Request
You can return to the link in your
course and then click Home to
access details of your support
request at any time. If you click
on the Case ID, you will also
have access to our 24x7 chat.
Please provide your Case ID to
the support agent if you initiate a
session.
Engaged with you.