Does the Type of Textbook Matter? Results of a Study of Free Electronic Reading Materials at a Community College

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis research describes a quasi-experiment across one face-to-face section and two online sections of introductory sociology testing freely available electronic resources (i.e., open education resources [OERs] and open access) to a paid printed textbook. This study fills a gap in the literature on how type of reading material (e.g., print/paid and electronic/open) affects student learning outcomes. The results show no significant relationship between type of reading materials on pre/posttest improvement or final grades. College-readiness at the time of enrollment at the college along with being a full-time student positively affected posttest score improvement. GPA was the only variable positively and significantly related to final grade. These findings suggest that using OERs and open access resources might be a viable choice for reducing textbook costs, thereby increasing access to higher education. Caution, however, is warranted as students indicate a preference for print (paid) over electronic (open) readings.