Digital Textbooks Current Research

Research Debates Supporters Say:

Insignificance difference in student academic performance

Research showing students using the textbooks out-perform their traditional peers

Students desire to use as well as have skills with technology

Skeptics Say:

Large body of research says students still prefer traditional form

Implementing teaching strategies to overcome various difficulties

Textbook publishing companies continue their monopolies into the digital domain

2010 Meurant Findings* iPads used in a Korean English-as-a-

Foreign-Language classroomNoted ease of updating textbooks

* = Meurant, R. C. (2010). iPad tablet computing to foster Korean EFL digital literacy. International Journal of U- & E-Service, Science & Technology, 3(4), 49-

62.

2011 Murray and Perez Findings*Sections of college students enrolled

in IT literacy course given either printed or digital curriculum materials

Final exam scores:Printed = 86%Digital = 84%

* = Murray, M. C., & Perez, J. (2011). E-textbooks are coming: Are we ready? Issues in Informing Science & Information Technology, 8, 49-60.

2011 Nelson, et al., Findings* Indiana school district implements a

digital platform and textbooks in lieu of traditional ones

Current, practical example of a successful switch

* = Nelson, L. L., Arthur, E. J., Jensen, W. R., & Van Horn, G. (2011). Trading textbook for technology. Phi Delta Kappan, 92(7), 46-50.

2012 Bouck & Meyer Findings*Successful use of digital textbooks to

aid visually-impaired students Implications for aiding students with

other disabilities

* = Bouck, E. C., & Meyer, N. K. (2012). eText, mathematics, and students with visual impairments. Teaching Exceptional Children. 45(2). 42-49.

2013 Daniel & Woody Findings*298 college students given either

print or digital options for a psychology class

Quiz results showed little difference in performance or level of distractions

* = Daniel, D. B., & Woody, W. D. (2013). E-textbooks at what cost? Performance and use of electronic v. print texts. Computers & Education, 62,

18-23. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.10.016

2013 Gilmore & Rush Findings* Interviews conducted by educators in

Tennessee and North CarolinaTraditional and digital editions of

reading comprehension test given to high school sophomores produced similar academic results

Self-evaluated “technological confidence” demonstrated as a non-factor in ability to use digital textbooks

* = Gilmore, B., & Rush, M. J. (2013). To "E" or not to "E". Independent School, 72(4), 40-46.

2013 Rockinson-Szapkiw, et al., Findings*538 college students given the choice

between traditional or digital materials

Digital users had similar assessment scores as well as higher affective and motor skills

* = Rockinson- Szapkiw, A. J., Courduff, J., Carter, K., & Bennett, D. (2013). Electronic versus traditional print textbooks: A comparison study on the influence of university students' learning. Computers & Education, 63, 259-266.

doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.11.022

2013 Stone & Baker-Eveleth Findings*Survey of college students via emailUsefulness and satisfaction as a

driving force in the digital textbook market

* = Stone, R. W., & Baker-Eveleth, L. (2013). Students’ expectation, confirmation, and continuance intention to use electronic textbooks. Computers

in Human Behavior, 29(3), 984-990. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2012.12.007

2013 West Virginia Adoption*State government decision to

implement digital platform and textbooks for all its schools

* = West Virginia adoption process evolves. (2013). Electronic Education Report, 20(2), 1-3.

Personal OpinionsLaurie Says:

“Great tool for educators and students!”

“… but it needs more research and revision.”

“Teachers need training ASAP to equip them to discern strategies.”

Katie Says:

“I approve of the use of this technology.” ;-)

“The issue is one of how it is used, not of its nature.”

“Let’s get some more research and sound instruction methods into the situation.”