College Textbooks: Are They Obsolete?

As a part of the class of 2020, we are one of the first classes to connect before our first fall term had begun over Facebook. We were also instantaneously connected to the other young adults in our orientation group. Now, we keep in touch for available roommates/subleases and the selling of tickets, FSU gear, and textbooks.

However, it is a common complaint of students that they didn’t use the book in their classes. They only bought it “just in case” they ever needed it because it was a required text in the syllabus. Which brings us to the question: are textbooks still useful? Or are they becoming obsolete?

Most lecture classes are turning to online education platforms such as ALEKS, Webassign, and Pearson. This allows for quizzes and assignments to be graded instantly, saving TAs and professors much hassle. With these online access codes that must be bought, comes an e-text of the required textbook for the class. Meaning… a hardcover textbook is not needed.

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There are pros to this:

It is cheaper.

It is more environmentally friendly.

Heavy textbooks don’t need to be lugged around campus.

However, there are also cons:

It strains students’ eyes from the extended computer use.

It could be harder for the student to effectively learn from an e-text if they are kinesthetic learners.

E-texts cannot be re-sold.

But are there any real effects in learning in the transition from textbooks to e-texts?

Considering the generation that is in college, we grew up to “tiny screen smartphones” and could be on the computer for hours with no purpose. We read on kindles and took care of fake dogs on Nintendo DS’.

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The e-text would in general, be no harsh transition.

For college students, some would say they prefer it over the textbooks. Simply for ease, accessibility, and price. Some would even argue that it is easier to focus on an e-text.

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The real challenge that lies ahead is making this transition in our public-school system. This might take several years simply due to lack of funding; however, it is expected to be a better method of learning once into place.

But hey... if you do have some expensive textbooks that you have no use for, here are some alternative uses:

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