E-books have several features that printed books do not, such as the ability to search text and include annotations. However, some students dislike the small screens of some e-reading devices and find the experience unpleasant. Give the students an electronic textbook and have them compare the reading experience with that of the printed textbook. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two versions of the text.
Although most students are used to reading information online or in electronic form, they read more slowly and comprehend less of the information when they are tested on it. Many students read e-books while they are in motion, such as running on a treadmill; these students are not getting as much out of their textbooks as they should. Test the differences in reading comprehension by having the students read e-books while walking around the classroom or walking on a treadmill. Then, test their comprehension.
Some students resist purchasing electronic versions of their textbooks, even when it is less expensive than the paper versions. For many people who grew up with paper textbooks, there is something attractive about having solid books in their hands. Create a survey that has questions about each student's textbook purchasing habits, such as which version of the book the student purchases and which factors influenced that purchase. After the class takes the survey, discuss the results of the survey and its implications for student learning.
As of 2011, scholars have conducted a lot of research about the usefulness of e-books for education, as well as how students use the books. However, not many scholars have looked at the limitations of e-books for certain topics or uses. For example, students may be more willing to purchase the electronic version of a novel for a literature class, but they may be resistant to purchasing or using electronic versions of highly technical texts. Explore the sales data with the students and discuss the results and implications for e-books in education.