Technology is encroaching on every portion of life. One can order a pizza, pay bills and even hail a taxi on one’s smartphone. Considering educators are constantly searching for innovative ways to get their message across to their students, it only makes sense that a student should be able to complete reading assignments on-the-go as well.
As with any innovation, benefits and complications abound. My first encounter with eBooks came when I was asked to read “Moll Flanders” by Daniel Defoe on a particularly hectic week. Though I owned a paper copy, I decided to splurge and buy a version for my phone. I would not have time to sit in the library, but during times when I would normally be scrolling through my Twitter feed or answering texts, I was devouring as many pages as humanly possible. I was now doing homework while walking to class, waiting in line for food and waiting for friends to get ready. Needless to say, I managed to complete the assignment in record time. Unfortunately, when I sat down to answer questions on the book, I realized that I had only been giving Moll half of my attention. The other half went to trying not to slip on ice, keeping up with the line and reading notifications which popped up on the screen. Sometimes there is no replacing the silent stillness of a library and the static nature of ink on paper.
Of course, reading a novel on a smartphone is not the only means by which students complete schoolwork electronically. Many professors assign online quizzes or post chapter modules for their students to complete on a weekly basis. Others specifically choose class materials which mix electronic and paper elements.
Visiting Assistant Professor of History Dr. Maire Johnson is one of those professors. She chose a textbook for her Western Civilization class which is available in both paperback and eBook form. When students buy the book new, they receive an access code for an eBook and online study guide materials including MP3 chapter summaries, practice quizzes, primary sources, interactive maps and historical recreation videos.
“Because I do not require that my students actually use these materials, many students simply purchase a used text and save some funds. Anything that can be accessed through the electronic forum that is required for class is also provided on Blackboard for their use,” Johnson said. She explained that she has spoken with students who found the electronic suite to be helpful, but she admits that it is difficult to gauge whether or not most students utilize the resources.
“I continue to use this text and its electronic study materials because enough students indicate that they like the options the suite presents to make it worthwhile,” Johnson said. “I think it’s fair to say most students probably don’t take advantage of the opportunities the hybrid text affords unless they’re compelled to do so by course requirements.”
Students don’t seem to be able to decide how they like to consume their coursework.
Junior Jordan Rich appreciates that online textbooks don’t take up space and are easy to take anywhere. And he is not alone. “One of the things [students] appreciated was having access to an e-text so they didn’t have to haul their books home or off on athletic or campus activities with them,” Johnson said.
“I think the use of online textbooks is great. I’ve had some in the past where I was able to highlight and take notes on the page. It even read aloud, as well. Having those tools are great to help you get the most out of your reading,” sophomore Mattie Sweet said.
Some students disagree, however. “I find it easier to carry a hard copy. To me, it’s more accessible than carrying around a laptop and worrying about battery life and other computer malfunctions,” Junior Kaitlin McDonald said. Senior Meghan McSarik agrees.
“I have a thing about holding the book. It’s different online. You can’t feel it. And I think that makes a difference in learning. Plus, you can’t take notes in the margins of the book, and if your computer dies, you’re out of luck,” McSarik said.
For some students, his or her preferred medium depends on the subject matter. “I prefer to have something physical in general, but for engineering courses where the textbooks are often used for running example problems, I find digital to be very convenient and efficient,” sophomore John Hollister said.
And sometimes, it all boils down to money. “There generally isn’t any resale value in [online textbooks],” Rich said. And yet, though there is a lack of resale value, McDonald has generally found her online textbooks to be cheaper than the paper versions.
The conclusion seems to be that with all these factors, students must make the course materials work for them. There is no right answer or preferable solution so long as each student is honest with him or herself and knows his or her learning style.
If you have a thing for screens, are constantly on the run and need to pack light, eBooks may be for you. But if you are a person who needs to know what is happening on Twitter every three seconds, is easily distracted by pop-up notifications and can’t say no to a conversation, carve out an hour to spend at a desk with nothing but paper and ink around you. You may only have to read Moll Flanders once.
