STUDENT E-BOOKS CONFIDENCE AND MOBILE SYSTEM OWNERSHIP

Abstract

Use of computers as an educational tool has risen significantly in higher education. A 2007 study by Educause shows that students are engaged in the use of technology for the purpose of learning. According to the study the majority of students liked learning through Internet searches, video games and simulations-all tools used in courses engaged with innovative learning. More recently mobile devices such as laptops, PDAs and cell phones have become essential tools for students, allowing them to access learning management systems and other college or university related resources in a “just-in-time” manner. But many courses still use the book as the primary learning tool. This exploratory study examines the attitudes of students owning mobile devices towards e-books as a response to the rapid increase in the use of electronic books as an alternative to traditional books at the college level. The results find that with the growth in owning and using mobile devices, student attitudes towards electronic books as a learning tool trended upwards. This information is helpful as colleges and universities continue to look towards ebooks as one method of reducing the cost of instruction.