Pros And Cons: The Advantages Of Electronic Textbooks

There has long been frequent discussion about whether electronic textbooks are better than conventional print textbooks or not. And now, with advanced in technology, everyone can get access to e-Textbooks with the use of handheld or desk-bound digital devices, thus, electronic textbooks are more popular and argue between electronic textbooks and print textbooks become more intense. In fact, e-textbook can bring great impact on teachers and especially students. Now, let’s take a look at both advantages and drawbacks can electronic textbooks bring in detail.

One major advantage is electronic textbook can boost up student in learning. Sheppered, Maynard and Cheyne (2008) demonstrate that electronic textbook involved different functions which

One of the disadvantages is e-textbook can sometimes be inconvenience and time-consuming. As demonstrated by Maynard (2005), technical problem may appear during usage of e-textbook and most students are unable to handle this situation or waste time on dealing with it. Take accidental closure as an example, some of students are able to restart the E-textbook while some of them need to seek for help. As a result, the time needed for students to complete the test was prolonged and this indicate that electronic textbook can be inconvenience and time-consuming.

Another drawback is students are easily distracted when using electronic textbook. Since e-textbook can only be used in digital devices, multifunction of digital device will distract students from studying or learning. According to Daniel & Woody (2013), when students are reading E-textbook using electronic device, they are more likely to conduct other activities at the same time including messaging and using Facebook. As a result, students take more time in reading E-textbook but without any benefit in studying or learning. Thus, using electronic textbook can also be ineffective if students were being distracted.

To conclude, this essay has examined both advantages and drawbacks of electronic textbooks. Overall, electronic textbook do more good than harm in the aspect of studying, learning, teaching and health. Thus, electronic