textbooks vs. digital content
With the incorporation of iPads in the classroom, one of the goals of the Walton County School District is to move away from traditional textbooks. There are many reasons for this - some of which are explained below (content taken and modified from http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0912/print-textbooks-vs.-e-textbooks.aspx#axzz2DS25KKgG).
Price
Price is an important factor for moving from traditional textbooks to e-textbooks. There are a number of options available for purchasing e-textbooks and more appear on a regular basis. Walton County is also working on putting together their own content, including excerpts from various sources, most of which are available on the internet. This generally provides cheaper alternatives and allows for instant updates to content.
Weight
Since students have multiple classes in one day, traditional textbooks may present a problem. Textbooks are heavy and typically contain thousands of pages, so carrying multiple books in typically puts a strain on students' backs. With e-books, students need to carry one device that will house all of their books.
Notes
When students are in class listening to a professor's lecture, writing notes and highlighting important text can help them study efficiently. With traditional textbooks, this is not generally an option. Electronic devices and e-books allow for content, highlights, notes to work together.
Extra Features
This is one category that the e-book absolutely dominates. Electronic textbooks typically come with a myriad of extra features which can range from an integrated dictionary, online and media tie-ins (videos, images, etc.) that go over sections of the book, and a text-to-speech reader.
Price
Price is an important factor for moving from traditional textbooks to e-textbooks. There are a number of options available for purchasing e-textbooks and more appear on a regular basis. Walton County is also working on putting together their own content, including excerpts from various sources, most of which are available on the internet. This generally provides cheaper alternatives and allows for instant updates to content.
Weight
Since students have multiple classes in one day, traditional textbooks may present a problem. Textbooks are heavy and typically contain thousands of pages, so carrying multiple books in typically puts a strain on students' backs. With e-books, students need to carry one device that will house all of their books.
Notes
When students are in class listening to a professor's lecture, writing notes and highlighting important text can help them study efficiently. With traditional textbooks, this is not generally an option. Electronic devices and e-books allow for content, highlights, notes to work together.
Extra Features
This is one category that the e-book absolutely dominates. Electronic textbooks typically come with a myriad of extra features which can range from an integrated dictionary, online and media tie-ins (videos, images, etc.) that go over sections of the book, and a text-to-speech reader.