Schaffhauser, D. (2011) Student Research: Can Googling Replace $168 Intro to Psych Textbook? Campus Technology, February 16
11 University of Cincinnati seniors in the psychology program presented at an Educause event a comparison of the content of traditional college texts, one of which costs $168, to content they found for free on the Web. They found the online material to be as good as the material in the textbook. However, it should be noted that they were helped to search online by an instructor.
Nevertheless, given that the students were developing core skills of how to search, analyse and evaluate information relevant for their course, as well as comprehend the content, the learning outcomes are likely to be even greater.
More research needs to be done on this, but anything that satisfactorily avoids the ridiculous costs of introductory textbooks is to be welcomed.
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.
