Century Link Scholarship: Digital Textbooks? Traditional Textbooks?
In
a world where technology is advancing so fast, there are many positives to
online textbooks. If you have a tablet or other WiFi compatible device, you can
download the textbook and are able to use it where ever you please. You
are able to highlight and bookmark pages, which used to be the positive to
having traditional textbooks. These online textbooks allow you to read in under
lit environments, such as in some dorm rooms, study halls, and outside
locations. The cost of online textbooks are generally less expensive because
they are paperless and require no shipping. With the books being online you
don't have to worry about a shortage in stock, so the books you need will
always be available, even late into the semester. Amazon and other places where
electronic books are sold allow you rent your books, this also allows you to
pay less and not be stuck with a book you don't need. Electronic textbooks also
allow you to copy and paste passages into an email, if you have questions over
a direct quote from the book, or if you want to paste them into notes. If you
book is stored on an iPad you are also able to screenshot the book and use
drawing apps to make important notes of things or email to someone who lost
their traditional textbook. With electronic storage methods and back-up, if
used correctly, you books will never get lost or stolen, unless of course your
device does. The draw-back to the electronic books is the need for electricity,
however, building requirements specify that there is to be a certain number of
outlets per square footage. Therefore, problem is solved. Electronic textbooks
are the books for the new age.
This?
Or that?
