Digital Textbooks Gary Allen EDUC 8841

Need  The digital textbook is an innovation that is being developed at the right time when society is looking for cheaper and better ways to educate.  Laptop Developed 1984 Ereader developed in 2007and the interest builds

Research  Butler, D.. (2009). The textbook of the future. Nature, 458(7238), Retrieved September 14, 2010, from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: )  Crestani, F., Landoni, M., & Melucci, M.. (2006). Appearance and functionality of electronic books. International Journal on Digital Libraries, 6(2), Retrieved September 19, 2010, from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: ).

Development  The technology is being developed at the same time when the e-reader platform is being advanced which appears to be a good match for the software as color screens emerge (Bradley, 2009).  The technology is receiving a great deal of attention in the educational field where the diffusion of the technology is likely to occur.  2010 the industry waits for cheaper better hardware

Commercialization  The digital textbook has the advantage of interactive instruction, animated graphics, immediate feedback practice questions and rapid links to vocabulary definitions.  Consequently, digital textbooks likely will represent an improved educational delivery method than traditional textbooks.  2010 Recession fuels search for cheaper educational textbooks

Stage 1- Knowledge  Current Practice –The paper and print textbook has been the industry norm since the inception of formal education. –The paper and print textbook are becoming increasingly expensive. –Textbook revisions cause repurchase.

Stage 1- Knowledge  Innovations –The Digital Textbook is a logical extension of the continuation of technological advancements in education. –Current educational research indicates that interactive educational material may enhance student learning over paper and print textbooks.

Stage 2- Persuasion  Socioeconomic –Computerized learning resources have become common place in society and will not inhibit digital textbook’s acceptance.  Personality –The digital textbook will be interactive and provide a more engaging and fun way of learning.

Stage 2- Persuasion  Communication –Information will be passed through the educational community by direct sales, educational conventions and government agencies.  Testability –The digital textbook is currently undergoing testing by a number of educational institutions. The technology is available for studies in your local school district upon request.  Observations –The digital textbook is readily available on a number of computer hardware platforms.

Stage 3 - Decision  Advantage –The digital textbook is less costly. –Digital textbooks can be updated easily. –Digital textbooks will be more enjoyable for the student.  Compatibility –Currently being developed to run on portable interactive platforms.  Complexity –The software is easy to use.

Stage 4 - Implementation  Adoption –Decision makers within school districts have the power to implement the technology. –Decision will be based on costs and effectiveness of student learning.  Rejection –Rejection could occur if a sufficiently cost- effective hardware platform is not developed that is interactive, portable and low cost.

Stage 5 - Confirmation  Higher education institutions will continue to sponsor and conduct studies to measure the effectiveness of the technology. –Studies will validate the benefits of the technology or cause it to fail. –Studies will provide the incentive for greater advancements in the area and more choices for the future.