UW-Madison and more than two dozen other higher education institutions are taking part in a project to evaluate the use of e-books and other electronic alternatives to conventional learning. The idea is to look at the impact e-books have on student learning and interactions between professors and students.
On average, students spend $1,140 on books and supplies during the academic school year. With the introduction of more digital alternatives that number could drop dramatically. Textbooks are a huge burden for many students and can cause unnecessary stress. I know that every time I buy my books, even after finding the lowest price, I am cringing at the grand total.
I think turning to new alternatives, especially in the economic climate UW-Madison faces, is a great idea. This is a great way for the university to save money by looking into online, self-paced classes as well as help students afford a higher education. I know Interim Chancellor David Ward feels the same way. He believes that a transition is needed if our school is to come out of the recent budget cuts relatively unscathed.
However, while I do believe this can be a good idea for both the students and the university, not all students can be treated the same. Many students will have trouble with the introduction of more digitally focused curricula. It isn’t fair for the administration to offer solely digital outlets because it’s cheaper.
I am one of those students who absolutely hates e-books. They are hard to read without getting a headache and I am pretty sure they are the reason I now have to wear glasses. There is just something about the feeling and crisp smell of a new book (or grimy if you buy used) that e-books can’t compare to.
Also, when I study, I tend to flip back and forth between the problems and the answers, which, from my understanding, is hard to accomplish with e-books. I like to wrestle with my books, outline things and write in the margins. This is how I learn most effectively, but I can’t do those things if I don’t have a physical copy of the textbook in my hands.
And don’t tell me I can print off the pages if I like having physical copies. How is that any cheaper than just buying the textbook from the beginning? If I printed pages off from one of my books now I would be looking at nearly $60 just in printing costs and almost $120 for a copy of the e-book, according to the University Bookstore web site. Not to mention, that’s the price for a 180-day rental. So I don’t even own the damn thing!
Turns out, I could buy the book online for $115 and still have the opportunity to sell it at the end of the semester. So which option is really cheaper in my case?
To change the system completely would actually leave some students worse off. This in no way means that the university will do that, but it should be taken into consideration when making these kinds of decisions. Digital textbooks have some limitations just like physical copies do. While some limitations are similar such as cost, other drawbacks, like Internet access and the learning style of each student will need to be studied very closely.
I am glad the university is looking into alternative ways of teaching. It shows that we are “staying with the times,” so to speak. However, close examination is required for a dramatic change like this. I can only hope that the powers that be realize this and know that providing students with every available option is better than choosing the cheapest.
Nick is a senior majoring in marketing. Did e-books make your eyes go bad too? Let us know at opinion@dailycardinal.com.
