eTextbook access, usage, and beliefs: implications for adoption in higher education
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 23 September 2013
Abstract
Purpose
Dynamic features of eTextbooks, such as taking interactive quizzes and sharing notes can make the practice of reading a textbook more supportive and engaging than before. While promising, challenges exist regarding the integration of eTextbooks in higher education, such as cost, usability, and lack of instructor development. There is a need for a more informed understanding of how instructors and learners are integrating eTextbooks to revolutionize learning spaces, in order to formulate next steps of action on a university level. While studies exist regarding universities with eTextbook initiatives, there is little empirical data concerning universities that offer eTextbooks without a focussed initiative. This paper aims to fill this gap.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the results of a university-wide student survey are shared, which provide insight into factors such as the selection and use of eTextbooks, access, and beliefs regarding eTextbook use and learning.
Findings
Generally, we found that in a university setting without an eTextbook initiative, eTextbook use is relatively low and their features are not being effectively utilized by students or instructors. In any university that offers eTextbooks, instructor development is critical.
Originality/value
Findings from this survey guide the instructional design of instructor development. The findings also identify pertinent issues that any university is likely to face when considering an eTextbook initiative, such as raising student awareness, working with publishers, and providing effective technical and pedagogical support.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge Dr Baiyun Chen, who assisted with the design, development, implementation, and data analysis of the eTextbook survey at UCF.
Citation
deNoyelles, A. and Seilhamer, R. (2013), "eTextbook access, usage, and beliefs: implications for adoption in higher education", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 189-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-12-2012-0065
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited