While eTextbooks are not a new concept, there has been some buzz over the last few years regarding their use in higher education. With new and improved tablets on the market (Apple iPad, Google Tablets and Microsoft Surface, to name a few), there is a greater case for the integration of eTextbooks in the classroom. Research completed in 2008 showed partnerships between Kindle, an eReader, and some major textbook publishers, as well as partnerships between Kindle, Sony and a handful of schools. Oddly enough there has been little research since 2009 on this topic, but with new tablets and expanded services provided by companies like CourseSmart, colleges with adult programs may want to give eTextbooks a second thought.
In the earlier studies, students had mixed reactions to the devices and provided many pros and cons. In most cases, these eReaders (Kindle/Sony) were not compatible with the hard sciences because they did not provide rich, colored diagrams. Other complaints included difficulty in note taking, the lack of visual appeal, price point and battery life. These concerns have been addressed by the significant advances in tablet technology over the past five years.
Additionally, while the above studies were based on the responses of traditional (18 to 22-year-old) students, one publication pointed out that the use of eReader technology was not a generational issue but a physical one. According to Sottong, most people “will not read lengthy, linear texts on fixed monitors,” even if they are portable. Data contradicts this, though.
Between 2009 and 2011, eReader sales increased by 83 percent and Kindle sales demographics point out that more than 74 percent of Kindle owners are between the ages of 30 and 70. This is a clear indication adults seem to be receptive to using tablets and are just as equipped for eTextbooks as traditional-aged students.
This shines a light on the fact that perhaps the best population for a pilot on eTextbooks would be adult learners.
Imagine a cohort of adult learners starting a program together but, instead of having to purchase multiple books throughout their program, they receive one tablet with all of their textbooks preloaded. These students would receive training on how to use their tablet. The cost would be packaged into their program price and they would get to keep the tablet after program completion. Not only would there be considerable costs savings, but there would also be environmental benefits.
While there is still much to consider, the use of eTextbooks in adult programs is a real possibility.
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References
Sherry Sontag, “The eReader Experience: An Inside Look at the Leading eBook Readers in Action,” Econtendmag.com, July/August 2008.
Stephen Sottong, “The elusive e-book: Are e-books finally ready for prime time?” American Libraries Vol 39 (5), May, 2008, p. 44-48
Jeffrey Young, “This could be the year of eTextbooks,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 7, 2009. Accessed at https://chronicle.com/article/The-Year-of-E-Textbooks-/48305/
Jeffrey Young, “Tablet may help e-textbook market: Publishers hope,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 31, 2010. Accessed at http://chronicle.com/article/Apples-New-Tablet-May-Boos/63800/
“Kindle Demographics,” Kindle Culture, April 29, 2009. Accessed at http://kindleculture.blogspot.com/2009/04/kindle-demographics.html
CNET “Shipments of eBook readers worldwide from 2008 to 2016 (in million units),” December 2012. Accessed at http://www.statista.com/statistics/272740/global-shipments-of-e-book-readers/
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