What do you think of schools using virtual texts over print textbooks?

[Panthero80]

I think students won't learn as well.

I think students will learn better.

[Abbycado]

I get both versions in college. I use my iPad for markup so I can resell the books back. I use the books to read tho.

[Panthero80]

The reason I ask is that there is tons of research to support that people, especially teens, understand what they read better and retain it more when they read print text, yet schools seem hellbent on doing everything on computers because it is "the future." My position is that some of it is fine, but all the research I have read indicates that using too much screentime reduces both creativity and critical thinking in students. It's as if the attitude is "new is better."

[Abbycado]

Technology is valuable, as I pointed out. It costs very little for me to get the digital too.

[Panthero80]

But you no longer have it whe4n the course is over.

[Panthero80]

I mean if your textbook is solely online. I have had classes like that.

[Abbycado]

Do you have a reading comprehension problem? I said I get print AND digital. And no one keeps fucking books after the semester unless it relates to your major, then maaaaaaybe. Even then, most students sell them back because they retain the digital copy.

[Panthero80]

Calm down Abby. I am a very good reader. I have a whole library of my textbooks from my graduate classes and some from my undergrad years as well. I am a bibliophile. Any class I have had a digital textbook for, we lost access to the digital copy after course completion because they were on the class platform, and we were locked out of it at the end of the semester. Can't we still be friends? :)

[Abbycado]

Bibliophile and can’t retain three sentences of my initial opinion. Mhmm.

[Panthero80]

I understood your original post. You read the print text and use the electronic text as a kind of study aid. That sounds reasonable.

[HollyK21]

Maybe it’s different from state to state or something @panthero80 because I was allowed to keep my digital books at the end of the semester, I mean I did pay for them lol not loaned. I also enjoy physical copies of the book but you can’t really do markups in them and expect to resell for a good price. And these damn textbooks are so expensive just to keep for a semester.

[Panthero80]

@HollyK21 I keep my textbooks. I don't want to spend $175 to resell it for 15!

[Anonymous]

When I was a student, print textbooks were always my favorite.

[Opinion Owner]

Thanks for the MHO

[AI Opinion]

Virtual texts offer flexibility and accessibility, which can be advantageous for many students. They're often updated more frequently, ensuring current information. However, print textbooks have a tactile aspect that some learners benefit from, aiding concentration and retention. Schools should consider a hybrid model, allowing students to choose based on their learning preferences. Balancing both can provide a comprehensive educational experience. Having guided many students, I find this personalized approach valuable to accommodate different learning styles.

[Panthero80]

You have never "guided" a student in your "life."

[WonderingManII]

I think students won't learn as well.