The impending launch of Apple’s ipad has generated much discussion on the wave of future technological trends. But some predict that its biggest impact will be on higher education. Thus far e-text books have been slow to permeate college campuses, but the ipads popularity, or lack thereof, may determine the fate of printed material in university classrooms.
According to a January 31 article in the “Chronicle of Higher Education”, only 2 percent of students bought an e-textbook last semester. This may be attributed in large part to lack of awareness that so many titles are available in electronic form. The question remains if this number will grow as companies increase their marketing efforts.
Many schools are already experimenting with e-text books and some are trying to speed this process with mixed degrees of success. Northwest University launched a pilot program using the Sony PRS505 e-reader model but ultimately determined the design insufficient. They hope that the ipad, which more closely resembles a laptop, but has a 9.7- inch screen and is easier to carry, will prove more suitable. Its 10-hour battery life also surpasses that of the Sony, Kindle and other e-readers.
NorthWest President Dean Hubbard is convinced that “students will read more and learn more” using the electronic medium. But survey results are conflicting. CourseSmart, a digital textbook company, reports that 72 percent of customers would buy at least a portion of their textbooks on line in the future. However, a survey conducted by the Student Public Interest Research Group found nearly the opposite with 75 percent of students preferring traditional text and 22 percent citing discomfort reading on a screen. Another barrier to the acceptance of e-textbooks is the current lack of a single compatible platform. Students are reluctant to invest in multiple hardware and software for differing texts.
Given the still evolving technology it is difficult to say that the textbook is doomed. While e-text books are in the long-run more cost efficient (they cost about ½ the price printed versions) and easier to tout to class, standard textbooks still have advantages. For many, the physical act of highlighting reinforces learning. While e-readers may be suitable for reading a novel, the act of studying differs.
For these reasons I personally hope that the market for textbooks will remain strong. I recognize, however, that students are fast becoming used to the electronic format. Perhaps there is room in the market for both.
If the systematic ideal of highlighting a specific text in order to reinforce a students learning is true, then apple should just incorporate that into the Ipad. I personally have no problem using traditional textbooks, however if there is a standard universal method that will eventually be used. Then I can work with that too, it is more about the learning it self than the convenience for me.
I feel that there will be a market for textbooks for years to come. However, I do not feel that the textbook is sitting in a secure spot with all the new technology and e-reading products reaching the market today, but I feel that for the time being textbooks will still be used regularly. I do think that over time e-readers and buying online editions of textbooks will certainly eat into textbook sales and that eventually the majority of textbooks used in the classroom will be in online format with an e-reader.
A move towards electronic textbooks is a step in the right direction. Currently, textbook prices are inflated to the point where students contemplate whether or not the buying the book is actually even worth it. The availability of low cost, electronic textbooks would enhance the learning experience.