The textbook that I used this semester has an electronic version that comes when they purchase access to the online homework system. I gave my students the option of getting the paper book or just using the electronic one. Many chose the latter because of cost $60 for 6 months of access to the homework and the electronic book vs. almost $200 for the paper version with online homework access. I did have some students cost-share because they wanted to save money, but wanted the physical textbook. One bought just the electronic version, the other the paper and they shared the book. The thing that irritated me is that the cost of the online homework access used to be cheaper before it came with the e-book and the publisher does not provide an option for just homework access without the e-book. It seems to be going well- having the e-book allows the students to have access to it in class without having to carry a heavy book around campus with them. It has proved useful when I have them do group activities during the lecture period.
-k

==========================
Kelly Ryan Gallagher
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry
SUNY- College at Oneonta
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 436-3180 


From: "Greenberg, Jim" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: Teaching Breakfast List <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2012 08:45:52 -0400
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Electronic Textbooks Pilot

TBers, 

Yesterday, the Educational Technology Committee (ETC) had a brief conversation about electronic textbooks.  Many interesting questions and concerns came up.   Are any of you using, or do you know if students have found and are using,  electronic versions of your textbooks? 

Mr. James B. Greenberg 
Director Teaching, Learning and Technology Center 
Milne Library 
SUNY College at Oneonta 
Oneonta, New York 13820 

phone: 607-436-2701 
fax:   607-436-3677
Twitter: greenbjb

"Ignorance is curable, stupidity lasts forever"