Textbooks have always been the standard “bible” for many instructors and students, but the appreciation of learning through online resources may potentially replace what is a common necessity for proactive students. There is nothing to fear with these new changes.
More school instructors are slowly gravitating towards using available mobile and computer programs, dedicated school websites, and digital textbooks to conduct their lessons instead of sharing a book on the projector. And this change in teaching students may be for the better.
Many people don’t like using online resources because it can be daunting for some individuals who are unfamiliar with using the internet. It can also turn people off when they need to constantly go on the computer just to study or do their homework. However, there are many advantages of using online resources that outweigh the preference or need for using a physical textbook.
A benefit from taking advantage of online resources is that it allows students to be more engaged with their activities. The upside to digital copies of textbooks consists of some accommodating features: on screen note-taking, tools for highlighting crucial information, and better organization.
Particularly at LBCC, many online courses use E-books, removing some of the limitations of physical textbooks. Students can access their resources on Canvas and Viking Portal.
E-book users have nothing to worry about, for online textbooks are essentially not school property and are stored in a virtual library that can’t be tampered with.
Additionally, there is no fear of accidentally tearing pages, finding enough space to place the book, losing your book or liability of any possible damages that may be inflicted to a school textbook.
By using online textbooks to study, students can occupy their hands with other important tasks. Multitasking is quite simple when working without the need to re-adjust your book, as finding glossary and key terms are quicker and more precise through use of the search engine and keyboard shortcuts.
Digital copies of textbooks are easier to focus on and read along than physical textbooks.
Students have the option to listen to an automated message read out the lesson, or use bookmarks to save where they last read. The comfort of being able to listen to the lesson through audio can help readers understand a topic more than just reading it out in one’s mind because it encourages the reader to actively listen and stay on track.
The Long Beach Public Library includes many potential resources that curious students can choose from, all varying from school-related subjects to any other interesting topic.
Online resources are more accessible than a physical textbook because there isn’t much responsibility. Students can save digital copies of textbooks on their device, which is more efficient than carrying a book around. In the case for students who lack access to a computer or mobile device, it is encouraged they seek alternatives like physical textbooks or asking school faculty for further assistance.
In fact, many digital copies of textbooks can be downloaded right onto your phone or computer device without ever stepping into a bookstore. Many discounts are available for digital copies, with no shipping fee needed. Better yet, there are unlimited copies for digital versions of textbooks, so students don’t have to mind about urgency.
According to an article by Farran Powell and Emma Kerr for U.S. News, on average, students spend $1,240 on books and supplies during the 2019-2020 academic year for four-year colleges. While it is usually cheaper or similar for two-year or community colleges, online textbooks can help students save more money compared to buying from other sources, which can also eliminate the need for other supplies that are necessary for physical textbooks.
While there are many arguments made against learning online, it is reasonable to concur online resources provide unique studying tools that are harder to experience with physical textbooks.
Many students have trouble dealing with time management, organization, and focus on a daily basis, and online resources can alleviate many of these issues.
With educational policies changing due to the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of people have already adopted many online resources to learn while social distancing. This is further simplified when students can access their textbooks and schedules through the internet, without having to find a place to read a large textbook.
Using online resources over studying with the traditional textbook can present students with a different approach to learning.