Electronic media and education

I'd like to introduce a guest blogger for this piece: Lindsey. Lindsey is interested in the potential of emerging educational technologies, particularly the online college, which today offers everything from a degree in international security to an accredited online Ph.D. all from the comfort of a computer screen. She writes about web-based, electronic and mobile learning and their implications on the future of education.

I look forward to having her on Cal Poly Dolly now and in the future. Here is her article:

 

Switch to Digital Texts and Save

It's no secret that college is expensive. Despite the fact that fewer students are attending college because they can't afford it, tuition and fees are continuing to rise. As publicly funded schools lose financing due to budget restraints, university officials are forced to recoup the losses in part by asking students to pay more for their education. As it becomes less financially feasible for a person to attend college, many students are searching for multiple ways to save money. One way that students can cut their college bills considerably is a simple switch when they purchase textbooks. Not only does the switch save students money, but it is also easily accessible to all; whether a student is taking online classes or classes on a college campus. In order to save money, students simply have to switch from costly, printed textbooks to cheap, digital textbooks.

According to Ohio's Wright State University, more than half of students are wary of using a digital textbook. Students worry that they will not purchase the correct textbook and will then not be able to receive a refund. Students also fear that they can get scammed when purchasing digital books to download. Since there is no sender address or information given like when students purchase printed books, purchasing digital textbooks can appear to be a little sketchy.

However since digital textbooks can offer substantial savings, learning how to buy digital textbooks is helpful.

- Stick with sources that are verified as reputable. While retailers such as Amazon are a good place to start searching for digital textbooks, many publishers offer digital textbooks directly on their website. Some universities also allow students to purchase digital textbooks through the student bookstore.

- Students should be sure that they have the ability to view the textbook before purchasing. Some retailers require that a person uses their eReader to view a book while others allow access from a computer. Read the fine print before finalizing a purchase.

- Decide between renting or purchasing a digital textbook. Renting a book provides access to the text for a limited amount of time, which is great for students who don’t wish to keep textbooks after their class is finished. Longer rentals cost more money, while very short term rentals can be very inexpensive. If a student feels that they will not need long term access to a digital textbook, renting is likely the best option.

- There are many books available as cheap, digital text. Students just need to know where to find them. In fact, the University Of North Alabama recommends buying digital textbooks to enjoy savings of up to 40 percent on textbooks. Considering that the university sells used printed textbooks at only a 25 percent discount, digital textbooks are the most cost effective type of textbooks.

Students that are unsure about switching to digital textbooks can reference these examples of books sold on Amazon and see just how much money they will be able to save.

- Financial Accounting by Paul D. Kimmel, Donald E.Kieso, and Jerry J. Weygandt

ISBN: 978-0470534779

This text is available for purchase as a new, hardcover book at a cost of $199.98. Opting to go with a digital copy lowers the price between $107.60-$48.95.

- Geography by H. J. de Blij

ISBN: 978-0470462423

This text is available for purchase as a new, hardcover book at a cost of $113.22. The digital copy of this text offers substantial savings at $74.00. If a student only needs access to the text for a limited time, a rental can by purchased as low as $33.97.

- Gardner's Art Through the Ages by Fred S. Kleiner

ISBN: 978-0495503798

Purchasing a new, paperback edition of this text costs $132.04. Opting for a digital copy of this text allows a student to save $28.88, at a cost of $103.16.

With college costs steadily rising, students are starting to search for savings in any way possible. Opting for digital textbooks, either as a permanent purchase or a rental, can help students save a significant amount of money. Switching from a print textbook to a digital textbook could mean a savings of up to 40 percent, which is a savings that can't be ignored for the average college student.