An Electronic Textbook and Its Use in a Historical Geology Course

Abstract

A computer-based (Macintosh), entirely electronic textbook has been developed for use by students in a first-year undergraduate historical-geology course at the University of Toronto. This approach combines the best elements of paper textbooks with the enhancements possible through the use of computer technology. Very attractive, powerful, and easy to use textbooks suitable for any course can be developed and published rapidly and at very little cost. An electronic textbook can complement an existing paper text, or it can be designed to replace it. The electronic approach to developing and publishing course textbooks has many advantages, including the ease with which it can be written, revised, and distributed. The use of the computer as the platform for both producing and using a textbook allows illustrations and animation to be included. The inclusion of human speech that is integrated closely with the text is an important feature. By electronically producing a textbook that resembles a traditional pape...