In the past five years, the use of digital resources in higher education has grown at an exponential rate. The availability of electronic content and resources has made it easier for instructors to create interactive learning experiences for their students. Growth of E-Textbooks, Digital Resources materials, videos, podcasts and more are now commonplace across higher education programs. Access to these resources has become crucial for both faculty and learners in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
The use of digital supplementary materials has continued to grow in the classroom. As more students become comfortable with technology and internet access expands, teachers have found new ways to incorporate digital supplementary into classes. E-textbooks are one example of this growth. This article explores the use of and Growth of E-Textbooks as well as other Digital Resources materials in higher education programs.
What is an e-textbook?
An e-textbook is a digital resource that is designed to be used in conjunction with a printed textbook. In addition to being available online, e-textbooks often contain interactive features, allowing instructors to create assessments, participate in online discussions with students and more. With the Growth of E-Textbooks, it can be useful for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they provide a more engaging and interactive learning experience. Furthermore, these resources can help to reduce the number of printed textbooks that are required, helping to ease the strain on the environment.
E-learning and the use of digital content in higher education
E-learning allows students to access learning materials anytime and anywhere. The convenience of having access to digital supplementary materials has been a growing trend across the globe. As more and more students are opting to complete their education online, institutions have been forced to adapt their programs to accommodate this growing demand. While the majority of higher education institutions have been moving towards online programs, there has been a greater push towards e-learning in recent years.
While the push towards online education has been growing for decades, it has accelerated in the past few years, due to the rapid growth of mobile computing, the development of affordable smartphones, as well as the rapid expansion of affordable Internet access. The use of digital supplementary materials is becoming more common in the classroom with nearly 40% of instructors reporting that their institutions use electronic resources. With more instructors adopting these resources, it has become an essential tool for effective online education.
Pupils and instructors use Digital Resources and materials for learning
E-textbooks are just one example of Digital Resources. In addition to e-textbooks, Growth of Digital Resources can also include syllabi, assessments, simulations, homework assignments and more. These materials are designed to supplement print textbooks, allowing students to complete their coursework with the added bonus of digital interactivity. Beyond being a great resource for students, digital supplementary materials can also be used by instructors.
For example, instructors can create quizzes, assign homework and manage the progress of their students through the use of Digital Resources. In addition to being used by students and instructors, digital supplementary materials can also be used by parents and guardians who may want to supplement their child’s education. Digital Resources can be used for self-study, allowing students to work at their own pace and tailor their learning experience to their own preferences.
Growth of E-Textbooks & Adoption
The growth of E-Textbooks has been recorded exponentially in the past decade. According to a 2015 report from the U.S. Department of Education, 73% of schools in 2013 using e-textbooks. This number is likely to have increased by the time this report was published. E-textbooks are especially popular among students who have learning disabilities. In many cases, students with learning disabilities cannot use print textbooks due to their visual impairments.
E-textbooks allow these students to access the same materials as their peers. However, the visual impairments that affect these students often make it difficult for them to use computers and other electronic devices. E-textbooks allow them to access their course materials from traditional print materials. This means they can remain in the classroom with their peers while still benefiting from online resources.
Benefits of Using E-books in the Classroom
- E-textbooks provide a more accessible learning experience for students with disabilities.
- E-textbooks can increase student engagement in a class by allowing them to work independently.
- Students can read materials at their own pace, which can help them better grasp what they are learning.
- E-textbooks provide an alternative to print textbooks.
- Students can schedule their coursework around their busy schedules, which can help them better balance their schoolwork with their other commitments.
- E-textbooks can help students feel less overwhelmed by schoolwork since they don’t have to find places for print textbooks.
- E-textbooks can reduce the environmental impact of printed textbooks by eliminating the need for paper.
Advantages of using digital resources over print books
- E-textbooks are more accessible than print textbooks for students with disabilities.
- E-textbooks can replace print textbooks for students who prefer to use digital resources.
- E-textbooks allow students to read at their own pace, which can help them better grasp what they are reading.
- E-textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks.
- Digital resources can be easily integrated into everyday classes, making them more useful than print textbooks would be in some classes.
- Digital resources can be searched quickly compared to print textbooks.
- Digital resources typically have multimedia components that can help students learn better.
Disadvantages of digital resources in the classroom
- E-textbooks provide an accessible learning experience for students with disabilities.
- E-textbooks can be more expensive than print textbooks.
- E-textbooks require students to be tech-savvy, which may be beyond the understanding of some students.
- E-textbooks are not as environmentally sustainable as print textbooks because of the energy required for their production.
- Digital resources can be easily replaced by new resources and do not last as long as print textbooks.
- Students may find themselves overburdened with too much information and find it difficult to devote adequate attention to their studies.
- Students may forget details from their studies if they don’t make a concerted effort to retain them.
Future outlook: Where the Growth of E-Textbooks will go next
As the demand for Digital Resources increases, so will the development of new and innovative ways to use these resources. For example, researchers at Stanford and UC Berkeley have developed a way to turn printed textbooks into an interactive online experience. These tools allow instructors to turn their printed textbooks into digital resources that provide interactive activities, allowing for a richer learning experience.
Beyond being able to turn printed textbooks into digital resources, these tools also allow instructors to create online assignments that require more detailed grading guidelines. With the ability to create detailed online assignments, instructors are provided with a variety of tools that can help to make the transition to online learning easier.
Summary
Growth of E-Textbooks trend in higher education, helping students and instructors engage with their coursework in new ways. Digital Resources can be used for graded assignments, self-study and more. With the growing demand for these resources, it is important to keep an eye out for new and innovative ways to use them.