2013-05-18T06:53:10-04:00 Fionnuala Duggan http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=fionnuala-duggan Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Fionnuala Duggan Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1915460 2012-09-26T07:14:34-04:00 2012-11-26T05:12:02-05:00

Fionnuala Duggan http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fionnuala-duggan/
Let's look at a recent study, one conducted during August 2012 and released today. From the National Students Union (NUS) and CourseSmart, the study examined 1,652 UK students on university expectations, digital use, and online course materials.

One result from the survey was that 81 per cent of students felt the university should be offering textbooks free as part of their fees.

99% of students reported to owning at least one online device; significantly, a third of them are already using a tablet eBook reader. These numbers are set to expand with 60% planning to buy an online device in the next six months.

These devices are put to work, with 77 per cent of students using online devices for academic purposes and 95% doing at least some course related reading on their device. As for why? 63 per cent say this helps them learn better.

For institutions, these numbers are significant, reminding them clearly just how 'plugged in' students now are.

In the increasingly competitive market for attracting and retaining students, , universities are beginning to differentiate themselves by offering more connected and tech-savvy educational tools.

One of these learning tools might be eTextbooks, which are online versions of print textbooks that can be used across any device and integrated with the university's existing Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Such tools would allow universities to combine the shifting demands of students with their current online habits, and begin to harness the potential of digital learning.

These habits appear to be online.

Perhaps this signals where education is going. As tuition fees shift, is now the time for universities to change how courses are taught to meet the needs of today's student?

For me, as I can see from this study, one thing is clear: students are going online. Now is the time for universities to be there too.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1448424 2012-04-24T19:00:00-04:00 2012-06-24T05:12:01-04:00

Fionnuala Duggan http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fionnuala-duggan/
Amongst the chatter of the book fair, I read a piece by a journalist who said that whilst publishers have embraced simple text-based eBooks, few are ready to back anything more complex as it requires significant investment. In my opinion, that view isn't entirely correct. We're in a perfect storm of innovation, and I believe the publishing industry has responded magnificently. Just look at the partnership between Cengage Learning, Macmillan, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Wiley who set up CourseSmart; the world's largest provider of eTextbooks and digital course materials. On Monday, at the book fair, these publishers were on hand when CourseSmart's expansion into the UK and Europe was announced with its online eCommerce platform. Not really a sign of publishers not wanting to back anything more complex, is it?

eTexbooks and the rise of the digital backpack

Not long ago pencils, notebooks and print textbooks reigned supreme as classroom necessities, and are still a recent memory for most of us with Gen X and Y still suffering from the memories of lugging around heavy, textbook filled backpacks. Today, the higher education landscape and student experience is dramatically different as eTextbooks gain momentum and students acquire themselves a digital backpack. Thanks to significant innovation in technology, digital course materials, and the proliferation of mobile devices, today's digital natives are in a position to benefit from an enhanced, streamlined and superior approach to learning.

Students are not only embracing digital devices - including eReaders, smartphones and laptop computers - they are completely dependent on them and eTextbooks open up a whole new world for those students. Student respondents indicated that they used an average of three different digital devices on a daily basis, and 38% of the students surveyed said that they could not go more than 10 minutes without checking one (or more) of their digital devices. The proliferation of smartphones has led students to expect instant access to everything and anything, including their course materials.

Due to their flexibility and anytime, anywhere access, eTextbooks have become an attractive option for many students that frequently have to fit studying in between their other responsibilities such as work and internships. Three-quarters (73%) of students indicated they bring their textbooks with them "on the go" and nearly half (48%) of all students who own a tech device frequently read eTextbooks. With university fees set to rise, and the hassle of reselling your second hand books for next to nothing, the cost of eTextbooks is another factor attracting students, allowing them to save up to 40% on textbook costs by renting them online.

Thanks to the rise of eTextbooks, higher education students can now truly have a digital backpack. Additionally, by utilising eResource materials that provide interactive, assessment-based course materials, students can take quizzes and self-assessments in the palm of their hands. These new technologies and advanced learning resources allow students to study more efficiently and effectively, resulting in an enhanced learning experience that was not possible a decade ago.

Looking forward, this is an incredibly exciting time for both the higher education and publishing sectors. So, come September as students prepare for their new academic year don't be surprised if you see students walking a little taller with their digital backpack in tow.]]>