Where to get electronic textbooks

For example, a student who chooses to rent a math e-textbook through their campus bookstore will receive an individualized access code which will then be used to login and access their online textbook environment. The access code is only valid for a limited time for example, one or two semesters , after which the student will lose access to their e-textbook.

Students: As e-textbook use in the K level is growing, students may enter the higher education environment with the expectation of using e-textbooks. For example, Florida counties have set aside half of materials funding toward the purchase of digital materials [1]. However, some evidence suggests that students have a greater preference for paper textbooks — even students who have used e-textbooks in the past [2]. Faculty: Generally, faculty members who want to integrate e-textbooks in their courses, either exclusively or as an alternative to paper-based books, can select the option in the textbook adoption process.

Intitutions: Some colleges and universities have pursued institution-wide e-textbook adoption. In a low-cost e-textbook approach, OpenStax develops free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed textbooks for introductory college courses; their Institutional Partnership Program annually recognizes universities who use free, peer-reviewed textbooks on campus [7].

Adoption of e-textbooks may depend on perceived usefulness [8] and the supplementary resources they provide to navigate and fill in certain topics [9]. As such, educators within higher education institutions often have an influential role over what texts are used in their courses which can determine how and when learners interact with assigned course materials [8].

If e-textbooks are provided as an alternative resource, students can have the opportunity to decide and engage with assigned course material through their preferred format and device. However, as quality, accessibility, and platform of e-textbooks differ per provider, determining if an e-textbook is a viable alternative resource falls on the educator. Adopting or creating an e-textbook, similar to any course material, requires evaluation, to ensure the outcomes of the course, align with the purpose of the learning resource.

To support adoption of e-textbooks, University of Central Florida aims to track and champion instructor-designed digital resources, expand faculty development in e-textbook selection and fund further research in e-textbook effectiveness [8]. As e-textbook usage grows, new and more robust features are added to proprietary platforms which claim to assist with content mastery. Recent reports from education publishers identify sales of digital course materials surpass sales of print textbooks [10].

The next generation of e-texts may include fully built learning environments [11], featuring simulations, learning analytics, and collaboration, such as the ability for the instructor to share their highlights and notes with students.

The digital reading environment is still subject to technological change and disruption [8]. As a result, e-textbooks continue to evolve and vary by producer. As new technology comes out, there may be future iterations that significantly impact use and adoption, therefore it is important to remain flexible and informed. The overall teaching and learning implications of e-textbooks are fairly insignificant; both traditional paper textbooks and e-textbooks are fundamentally just content delivery mechanisms.

The difference between print and e-textbooks are more often detected in the additional online content that publishers may provide with their textbooks. If there is significant online content included with the textbooks which can be print or electronic in format , there is more opportunity for students to engage in the material, particularly if there are online assessments and homework exercises.

Unfortunately, there may also be an opportunity for a higher level of plagiarism, as electronic content can be leaked. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. Where to buy digital textbooks By using a digital textbook you're able to save a few trees, take notes inside, and lighten your backpack.

Jason Cipriani. July 25, p. Do you have a site or service you regularly use to acquire digital textbooks? Discuss: Where to buy digital textbooks. Start using Classoos with a free trial on selected textbooks. It is easy to access online textbooks with Classoos and we offer the latest editions for immediate access. Learn More. Give your students less to carry and less to forget! Teachers and students can enrich the textbooks with video, audio, external reference links, notes and highlights from school or external resources which can then be shared.

Expand the classroom conversation and share additional resources with your students and colleagues. Use the classoos app to download textbooks to your device and continue reading and annotating even offline. Classoos has distribution arrangements with a growing list of international publishers to feature their online textbooks on the platform. Browse Online Textbooks Catalogue.

Teachers can upload material they have created or search material created by their colleagues to share with students for an enhanced learning experience. The team at Classoos is on the road, coming to schools and conferences to share and demonstrate how the platform can help students and teachers. See the next events we will be attending or reach out to schedule a meeting. Get started with a FREE trial on thousands of textbooks. Buy online textbooks for your students.

Get started with a free trial on thousands of textbooks. Start a free trial on thousands of textbooks. Up to 21 days free trial on selected titles. Free Trial.