Is the iPad textbook revolution really worth it?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on Apple's initiative to introduce digital textbooks for the iPad, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages. Key benefits include easy updates, portability, and dynamic content, while drawbacks involve the high cost of iPads and concerns over the quality of digital conversions, particularly for textbooks containing equations. Participants express skepticism about the pricing of e-texts compared to physical books and the potential for distraction in educational settings. Overall, the conversation reflects a mix of enthusiasm for technological advancements and caution regarding their practical implications in academia.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of digital textbook formats and their functionalities
  • Familiarity with iPad features, particularly for educational use
  • Knowledge of e-textbook pricing models and market dynamics
  • Awareness of the limitations of current e-reader technology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest features of iPad models for educational applications
  • Explore digital textbook platforms and their pricing structures
  • Investigate the impact of e-textbooks on student learning outcomes
  • Examine alternative devices for reading e-textbooks, such as Kindle and other tablets
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and educational technology professionals interested in the evolution of digital learning materials and their implications for teaching and learning.

  • #31
I have been using an Ipad as a textbook for about a year and a half...I used an Ipad 2 for a year of that.

Despite the pro of saving my back because of massive first year hardback books, I began to dislike the ipad. There is nothing more tiring than looking at a back lit screen. Also the complete lack of effective page flipping for quick referencing makes it one more frustration when school homework can be frustrating enough. Sure there are lots of great apps for .pdf reading and often the textbooks are cheaper or free as .pdf. I have found that you just can't beat a physical book with pages, A book is so simple to customize and easy to access the organized info within the book and with no distractions. I get better grades reading from a physical textbook, that for me is why I have switched back...Its almost the Elliott Sober version of Occam's razor at work. "The simplest theory is the more informative one"I want to emphasize that its not the material of the “book /.pdf/media” that I grew to dislike on ipads. I dislike that the ipad media was not physical.The IPad can’t compete with the simplicity of just turning a page by hand.

Beating a dead horse here...If your looking for help on a HW problem chances are the info is free on youtube/or here on the forum and better that any new Media-book from apple will be.
 
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