Backpacks have been lighter for some students on campus.
Instead of grabbing a 500-page textbook that could weigh close to four or five pounds, some students grab their iPad or Nook and are ready to go.
It is getting more and more common to see students using these electronic resources as a means for reading and referencing.
The reasoning behind purchasing textbooks on an electronic reader varies from saving money to keeping organized by having all books in one place.
The prices of textbooks always seems to be high, and if students are saving money on books by having them on some electronic device, then it is well worth it.
Not all students are going to prefer to read a textbook on a computer-like screen. Some students enjoy physically holding a book and turning the pages. Sometimes it is easier on the eyes, too.
While some might say a person can’t get the same purpose out of using a book on an iPad or Nook, the truth is the student can get all that and more.
Digital textbooks allow the reader to highlight, change the size of the text for easier reading and even skip from chapter to chapter easily. These books are also eco-friendly due to the fact that there will not be thousands of copies printed on pages and pages of paper.
Normal books use paper and many textbooks have new editions almost every year. So, the previous textbook becomes useless and is then a waste of paper.
Digital books would save the paper from the first edition as well as its replacement editions.
Having something like a Kindle could not only help keep a student organized, but also give the student the convenience of carrying several books around on one small device.
The one large downfall is that the integrity of the students would be tested.
Although most students probably use their devices for scholastic reasons, some students choose to play games or surf the Internet during class.
The point of the iPad or Nook in class is for reading or referencing a certain section of the text. It is obvious and quite obnoxious when a student is doing anything other than that. It also causes some professors to ban electronics in the classroom.
If this happens, a student with a book on his or her Kindle would be unable to bring the book to class.
We live in the digital era, but to be able to take advantage of that, students must be responsible with their electronic devices and the use of them in class.
If fortunate enough to have a professor who allows digital books, students shouldn’t take advantage of them. The use of a laptop or electronic device is for class purposes and shouldn’t be jeopardized by classmates surfing the web.