This week, in no less than 10 sentences, share your thoughts about e-books and e-readers in general. Read the New York Times article and questions below. The article can also be found at: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/would-you-trade-your-paper-books-for-digital-versions/
Would You Trade Your Paper Books for Digital Versions?
Do you own an e-reader or read books on your phone? Have you ever used an electronic textbook? Studies show that while young people are interested in e-readers, two-thirds of them do not want to give up traditional print books. What do you think? Should students be given a choice? What are the benefits and drawbacks of print books and textbooks? How do you think reading on an electronic device would change reading, studying and learning for you?In the article “In a Digital Age, Students Still Cling to Paper Textbooks,” Lisa W. Foderaro writes:
The explosion of outlets and formats — including digital books, which are rapidly becoming more sophisticated — has left some students bewildered. After completing the heavy lifting of course selection, they are forced to weigh cost versus convenience, analyze their own study habits and guess which texts they will want for years to come and which they will not miss.Students: Tell us your thoughts on the growing offerings in digital books and textbooks. Do you like the idea of having your books on a Kindle, Nook, iPad or other device? What might be the drawbacks? What percentage of textbooks do you think will be digital 10 years from now? Do you think you’d read more if you had access to e-books? How do you think e-books will change studying and learning?
“It depends on the course,” said Victoria Adesoba, a pre-med student at New York University who was standing outside that school’s bookstore, a powder-blue book bag slung over her shoulder. “Last semester, I rented for psychology, and it was cheaper. But for something like organic chemistry, I need to keep the book. E-textbooks are good, but it’s tempting to go on Facebook, and it can strain your eyes.”
For all the talk that her generation is the most technologically adept in history, paper-and-ink textbooks do not seem destined for oblivion anytime soon.
According to the National Association of College Stores, digital books make up just under 3 percent of textbook sales, although the association expects that share to grow to 10 percent to 15 percent by 2012 as more titles are made available as e-books.
Deadline: Thursday (June 30), 5pm
