From the Horse’s Mouth: What Faculty and Students Have to Say About eTextbook Use in the Classroom

 

Presented by:

McMahon Poster File

Click on the thumbnail
above to download the poster file.

  • Dr. Debbie McMahon, Baylor University
  • Ms. Carol Schuetz, Baylor University
 

Description:

ETextbooks are like a storm looming on the horizon. For future students, many entering college in the coming years will have used this resource all their academic lives. From their time in kindergarten and continuing to the twelfth grade, students are using iPads and e-readers to access textbooks. By the time students reach college, eTextbooks will be second nature if the technology evolves to support them. But how do students really feel about eTexbooks. During the fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters, our institution participated in the Educause study examining eTextbook use. Parallel classes in which faculty used both eTextbooks and print textbooks are compared. Afterwards we listened to what students had to say about these textbooks. Through a series of surveys and focus groups, students spoke about their experiences in using eTextbooks in the classroom. What they had to say went far beyond the impact in Textbook cost. Accessibility, highlighting, note taking, ease of use, etc. have a big impact in whether students will use an eTextbook or not. Our poster will present information on the fall 2012 participation by Baylor University in the EDUCAUSE/Internet2 eTextbook pilot. See what faculty and students had to say about eTextbooks as an alternative to the traditional textbook.

 

Library Boot Camp: Getting Students in Shape for Library Research

 

Presented by:

  • Julie Piacentine, University of Chicago Library
  • Rebecca Starkey, University of Chicago Library
 

Description:

The University of Chicago Library created Library Boot Camp, a flexible and fast-paced undergraduate orientation program. Inspired by speed dating, the program offers five “information stations” where students learn about key library services and resources. Every eight minutes, our librarian “drill sergeant” blows a whistle, directing students to the next station. Feedback about program has been overwhelmingly positive, and the program has increased student attendance and engagement.