Online Textbooks are Both Cheaper and Lighter?

Answer 1

Students are always looking for ways to save money, and online textbooks can prove to be much less expensive than their traditional counterparts. While most individuals are still opting to obtain books that they can hold in their hands, the simple fact of the matter is that this is largely in part due to the misconceptions associated with online textbooks. Before automatically deciding against using electronic versions of the books used in class, a consumer should at least consider the following points.

Online textbooks have the exact same content as their traditional counterparts, so an individual is not at a disadvantage if they choose to use them. Although many people believe that it is difficult to highlight important parts if the actual pages are not tangible, the truth is that most programs have an application that will allow highlighting. It is also possible to print off pages that are needed for additional study or for practice problems.

The price difference between online textbooks and traditional volumes can be tremendous, and the major reason for this is the fact that the production costs are much lower for the publisher. Because there is such a difference in price, it is often much easier for students to afford the modern methods of education delivery. While it may not be possible to sell the book when the student is done with it, the cost savings experienced up front is often enough to entice students to select the online textbooks.

Online textbooks can be updated without having to reprint a new edition, so students often have access to the most up to date information. While this may not be as important for some classes, there are obviously some areas of study that are constantly evolving. Utilizing online educational materials will allow an instructor and the students to take advantage of technology in order to obtain the most updated information possible.

While there are certainly many more benefits of using online textbooks, the above are just a few of the most common ones. On of the most desirable aspects is the fact that heavy books no longer have to be carried around campus, and this in itself is enough to lead most individuals to the virtual world.