Johnson, T. (2009) Electronic text books set to take over? University Affairs, December 7
An interesting article that explores the pros and cons of e-books, with Curtis Bonk predicting that we are approaching the tipping point for e-books, where they will go from a fringe activity into the mainstream. Myself, I think that is still two or three years away, because we still don’t have the right kind of interface that students want.
There is a particularly good example in this article from Ann Jordan of OISE, Toronto, of how e-textbooks can make learning much more interactive than a traditional textbook.
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
It’s interesting that Kindles seem to be selling a huge number of Kindles at the moment. At least acording to Amazon.
I think we will be a year or two yet. I wouldn’t invest in a limited functionality piece of hardware when it’s likely that new tablet computers in 2010 will offer a reading interface along with comms and apps.