Something to ponder.....even if a large group of students say they rather have a real textbook is it what they are going to buy? If you can get the E text cheaper what would you get?
Find an article about E Textbooks and share the link. Also give your opinion.
Something to ponder.....even if a large group of students say they rather have a real textbook is it what they are going to buy? If you can get the E text cheaper what would you get?
40 Comments
Laurel Thornton
3/19/2013 11:10:30 am
http://insite.artinstitutes.edu/the-pros-and-cons-of-etextbooks-41162.aspx
Reply
Kayla Y.
3/20/2013 01:34:21 am
While I enjoy the idea of having an e-textbook because it is convenient, easy to access, and "lightweight", I also prefer to have a book that I can pull out and read the old fashion way. To me, flipping through pages is just so much easier. Easier to find information when you need to go back to something, and easier to mark-up. This article brings up a lot of good points, that I too agree with, but I agree that until we have the budgets to incorporate devices that support e-textbooks for every student this is not feasible.
Reply
Colie Trawick
3/20/2013 06:58:26 am
The crazy thing is, I am the owner of the nook & the kindle fire and I never really thought about viruses or anything. You tend to forget that it is an electronic device that has access to the internet. The nice thing is I feel safer with these tablets because once you download the book you no longer need internet to access it.
Reply
Crissina Kemp
3/20/2013 07:53:28 am
As with any issue, there are always pros and cons. I think the upcoming generations of students will prefer e-textbooks over hard copies because they are growing up using mobile technology devices and learning to access information on them. Schools could purchase and manage where e-textbooks are downloaded from to help reduce the risk of viruses. The cost of textbooks for college students has become ridiculous, and e-textbooks are a more affordable alternative. Most college students own laptops and could download e-textbooks on them if they don't have an e-reader. The one-time cost of purchasing e-readers would probably still be cheaper for college students than continuing to have to pay anywhere from $500-$1000 per semester for hard copy textbooks. A major issue would be K-12 students in public schools having equal access to devices for e-textbooks.
Reply
Heather Carlton
3/21/2013 05:12:03 am
I agree with your comment about upcoming generations. We didn't grow up with e-textbooks therefore we can't fully grasp the concept of not having an actual textbook in hand.
Melissa Lovette
3/20/2013 11:35:59 am
I agree with the price of the tablets might be an issue for all ages. However, textbooks are also pricey as well. But I also agree that one has to be aware of other things you mentioned such as viruses and technical difficulties. I'm like you, I prefer books. You not only can mark them up, you can copy, flip through, and read over and over.
Reply
Dane frazier
3/24/2013 09:44:23 am
I also believe that having a book is alittle easyer, however I have grown up using a textbook rather then a etextedbook, givin the opportunity I would most certainly be able to switch to an ebook.
Reply
Caleb Haynes
3/25/2013 05:08:22 am
I have never used an E-textbook but they do sound very interesting and useful. I would probably like them quite a bit once I learned how to used it and get all of it down. I would probably prefer just using a regular textbook though because it seems like there could be some things that could be set backs when using E-Textbooks.
Reply
Mary McGee
3/26/2013 01:50:10 am
So true, i too enjoy holding a book in my hands to read. Tablets, i-pads etc are also just too pricey. I see other ways to get our immediate feedback, most schools have computer labs available and nearly all students have access, throughout their day,to the internet they can check grades this way.
Reply
Zech Bowman
3/20/2013 02:19:03 am
I always like it when things are easy and convenient, especially with textbooks at times. I think a lot of back trouble for some students could be avoided with not having to lug around those heavy books. Although I do agree that I prefer going through a textbook the old fashion way and finding information is a lot easier. And remember, the actual book will probably last longer than the battery. As an old football coach of mine would say, its only as good as the batteries that are running it.
Reply
Cassandra Nappier
3/20/2013 04:46:55 pm
I agree with the battery comment. I am horrible for charging my electronic devices. Sadly, I am one of those people who rely on my cell phone. Even with as much as I rely on it, I STILL forget to charge it. At least if I'm in a hurry to get to class, I can grab a textbook and not worry that it will die on my halfway through the class.
Reply
Caleb Haynes
3/25/2013 05:10:12 am
Ya I agree that the battery issue could be very frustrating as well. Also E-Textbooks can be very pricey which could be a problem for many students.
Troy Holbrook
3/20/2013 03:06:42 am
I found this article that discusses the pros and cons of electronic media textbooks. Some of the pros the author highlighted were that e-textbooks are easily updated, saves paper, no weight compared to paperback books, so there is less of a strain on students having to carry the books, they cost less, and are easily distributed via the World Wide Web.
Reply
Wendy Walker
3/20/2013 06:50:19 am
I agree that they are easily updated, saves paper, etc. I know I hated to have to lug around textbooks in school. It would be so much easier to put them on an I-Pad or android device and have it right at your fingertips. It is also great with all the interactive software that comes with them.
Reply
Colie Trawick
3/20/2013 06:53:48 am
I can see how students think it is awkward to have e-books. As an advid kindle/nook user it did take me time to adjust to reading that way. As well as sometimes just wanted to have the hardback book in your hand. There are some books that I will not buy from my e-reader because I want to be able to put it on my shelf. The fact that it is very cost effective makes it a go for me.
Reply
Crissina Kemp
3/20/2013 08:04:18 am
I work with students who often have to get rolling backpacks or use multiple backpacks for all of their books so e-textbooks would help with the strain of having to carry all of their books. I hadn't thought about e-textbooks expiring after a certain amount of time so if a student wanted to keep their books for the future, they would not be able to access them after the expiration. I've also heard one of the downsides of e-books on the e-readers is not having page numbers so if students want to access information they previously read, they would have to search for it. I do like the affordability factor of e-textbooks, particularly for college students who are usually struggling financially. Colleges could always offer both options of an e-textbook and a hard copy and let students decide which they prefer.
Reply
Troy Holbrook
3/24/2013 12:17:51 pm
I have read articles that discuss the detrimental effects of students carrying a great deal of weight in their backpacks due to the large number of textbooks or bulky books. When my wife was attending UCM earning her teaching degree not so long ago, her backpack slipped off her shoulder and in the act of trying to grab it, the excessive weight literally broke her finger.
Melissa Lovette
3/20/2013 11:41:10 am
Yes, that is one thing I have found very awkward as well with E textbooks - scrolling!! I to would rather have the entire page of information in front of me or at least to where I can flip and find it fairly easily.
Reply
Kayla Y.
3/21/2013 02:21:05 am
I agree with having all the information you need right there on the page in front of you. Makes it a lot easier than having to search for information through scrolling when there may not be page numbers. Textbooks to me are just more convenient, even though it may seem to be the other way around.
Reply
Heather Carlton
3/21/2013 05:33:41 am
The scrolling seems like it would take up a lot of unnecessary time!
Reply
Mary McGee
3/26/2013 01:52:01 am
I did not even think of the resale value and expiration of e-books that is a great point. I used a table my first semester and hated it, I like having a book to write my notes in and flip through. The e-book was difficult to use and made it harder for me to follow along. Good to know I was not the only student who felt that way.
Reply
3/20/2013 06:50:13 am
Students Still not taking to e-book!
Reply
Colie Trawick
3/20/2013 06:51:20 am
Sorry the website is
Reply
Laurel Thornton
3/20/2013 09:15:23 am
The price is always my concern with these types of things. I work in a low income district and I do see a lot of kids that bring thier devices to school to read in the mornings, but I know there are a lot more kids whose families can't afford to feed them over the weekend, let alone buy an expensive device. Unless the district provides them, I don't think there is a fair way to handle this. And they way things are looking, I don't think many districts will have that ability for quite a while.
Reply
Armegis Spearman
3/21/2013 01:37:30 pm
I agree that this technology is nice to have and the opportunities and benefits are and can be great. The downside for me is also the low income students of all nationalities that cannot afford to purchase them. Without assistance from the government or some kind of fundraising by the school or district, how can we keep the kids who are unable, by no fault of their own, up to speed with the changes that are almost required around the world? It is almost exactly like BYOD..
Reply
Wendy Walker
3/20/2013 07:18:09 am
I found an article that discusses the pros and cons of e-textbooks, and books in general. http://coeus.hubpages.com/hub/Ebooks-vs-Paper-Books-The-Pros-and-Cons-2012 is the website.
Reply
Cassandra Nappier
3/20/2013 04:52:12 pm
Seeing that you are an Assistant Library Director, I think you may agree with me that it is somewhat sad to think that one day eBooks will be the only way to acquire a book. Kids will never experience walking into a library and smelling that odd yet recognizable smell of books. I agree that there is just something about the weight and texture of a book that allows you to understand the sense of accomplishment that you are gaining with every turn of the page.
Reply
Troy Holbrook
3/24/2013 12:28:46 pm
I had not really thought about the durability aspect of a paper book verses an e-reader. Although if we were to really stop and consider this notion, printed books have been around for millennium, whereas electronic media is a relatively new technology in the scheme of history. We should not be caught up in believing that all of our electronic media is going to stand the test of time in the same way that paper books, pictures, etc. have. As an example, look at the massive number of digital pictures that we all have taken electronically and stored on numerous devices, cameras, camcorders, cell phones, PC hard drives, and so on. Are those pictures going to be around one hundred years from now for others to enjoy? The same goes for books. Are there books out there that are strictly electronic media? What are the chances that those books will be around one hundred years from now?
Reply
Crissina Kemp
3/20/2013 07:35:10 am
I read and reviewed the article, "To Save Students Money, Colleges May Force a Switch to E-Textbooks" by Jeffrey R. Young, published in The Chronicle of Higher Education on October 24, 2010.
Reply
Melissa Lovette
3/20/2013 11:25:09 am
The article I chose was titled "E textbooks sales growing, but students still slow to switch" by Laura Cofsky
Reply
Heather Carlton
3/21/2013 05:36:32 am
I wonder if a study has been done on whether students adsorb information more effectively when reading from an actual textbook compared to read from a tablet. That would be interesting to find out!
Reply
Cassandra Nappier
3/20/2013 04:43:57 pm
The article I read over eTextbooks is called, "Students Find E-Textbooks ‘Clumsy’ and Don’t Use Their Interactive Features" at the link: http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/students-find-e-textbooks-clumsy-and-dont-use-their-interactive-features/39082
Reply
Colie Trawick
3/22/2013 12:18:45 am
I agree with you, that I just wouldnt buy the book at all if I knew it waaqs barely going to be used. They make you buy these $300 books and we look in it maybe once...just a waste of monies. I also agree that even if the ebook is cheaper, I may hesitate to buy it if we arent going to look at it.
Reply
Heather Carlton
3/21/2013 05:08:32 am
My article: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/markets/story/2012-08-13/etextbooks/57039872/1
Reply
Armegis Spearman
3/21/2013 01:45:11 pm
I absolutely do not agree with a person being forced to buy a form of text in any way. I feel that as long as they have the proper text, it can be E books or traditional paper back. The ultimate goal is for the student to learn the proper material in a timely manner. I feel that this should be the ultimate goal when a student is getting an education. The student is paying for their education and shouldn't be forced to struggle more as long as they are meeting the requirements for graduating. This should not be based on the type of technology that you use to learn the material!
Reply
Armegis Spearman
3/21/2013 01:26:20 pm
http://www.schools.com/articles/digital-textbooks-solution-or-distraction.html
Reply
Kayla Yount
3/22/2013 01:54:21 am
The article I read can be found at http://www.nbcnews.com/id/48186058/ns/technology_and_science-back_to_school/t/pros-cons-e-readers-vs-textbooks/#.UUx8Ir-HpFI
Reply
Zech Bowman
3/24/2013 01:34:25 pm
http://chronicle.com/article/As-Textbooks-Go-Digital-Will/124881/
Reply
Caleby Haynes
3/25/2013 05:54:32 am
The article I chose is called Print Textbooks Vs. E-Textbooks. The link to it is http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0912/print-textbooks-vs.-e-textbooks.aspx. This article basically describes the advantages of traditional books vs. E-Texbooks. Some of the advantages of traditional textbooks are you never have to worry about technical difficulties, most people are use to and more comfortable with traditional textbooks, and its easier to highlight notes during lectures. Some of the advantages of E-Textbooks are that they are cheaper in the long run, you don't have to worry about carrying around a bunch of heavy textbooks, and there are a bunch of extra features that can be accessed.
Reply
Mary McGee
3/26/2013 01:47:55 am
My article can be found at: http://www.centralmethodist.edu:2089/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=5&sid=e75e1f33-b520-430c-9500-4a2db87def25%40sessionmgr112&hid=117
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Class BlogThis blog is for class conversations for Ed 514 at Central Methodist University. We invite input form other teachers about how they use technology in their classrooms. Archives
March 2015
Categories
All
|