Use Of E-textbooks Research Articles

Overcoming e-learning hurdles: strategies for enhancing stem education in Africa through digital innovation

ABSTRACT Closing the divide between educational practices and industry demands is recognised to enhance the societal relevance of education. Consequently, African countries improve their educational systems by incorporating technological tools such as artificial intelligence, e-textbooks, and web-based learning in primary schools. This research investigates the impact of digital leadership and the external and internal barriers teachers face when adopting e-learning methods within educational institutions. The study gathered responses from STEM-trained teachers, and the data was subjected to analysis using SPSS version 23. The findings reveal a negative relationship between digital leadership and teachers’ internal and external barriers, with no statistically significant impact on using artificial intelligence in schools. Moreover, digital leadership positively influences the use of e-textbooks and web-based learning. Conversely, teachers’ internal and external barriers exhibit adverse effects on integrating e-textbooks and web-based learning while positively impacting the adoption of artificial intelligence in educational settings. The study underscores the need for advancing STEM programs, noting their role in fostering the acceptance and utilisation of e-learning mechanisms.

E-Textbooks as a Teaching Aid at a University of Technology in South Africa: A Cultural-Historical Activity Theory Analysis

The past two years saw a rapid proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in higher education. Digital technologies and environments offer many affordances. New digital literacy practices in universities have implications for teaching and learning. E-textbooks, in particular, act as mediating tools that can facilitate teaching and learning through developing students’ understandings of scientific concepts. This paper positions e-textbooks as mediators of learning, rather than merely objects of learning. There is thus a need to understand the mediating role of e-textbooks that lecturers draw on in their teaching. While much research was conducted on students’ use of e-textbooks, relatively little was conducted on lecturers’ use of e-textbooks in engineering education. The current study aimed to answer the following research question: What are lecturers’ perspectives on the use of e-textbooks to facilitate learning in engineering? To address this question, data were collected through five individual interviews conducted with engineering lecturers working in the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) of first-year students from three engineering departments (chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and nautical science) at a university of technology in South Africa. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis with the help of ATLAS.ti. Data analysis was guided by a theoretical framework that drew on the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT). In this study, the focus was on e-textbooks as pedagogical tools within engineering teaching and learning. The findings provide insight into how lecturers incorporate e-textbooks into their teaching, but also reveal the extent to which new digital literacy reading practices remain unfamiliar to engineering lecturers. CHAT enabled the identification of a critical insight, namely, the tension between mediation and division of labour. This highlights important aspects of the discourse surrounding seamless technology integration in higher education. The discussion points to the need for an expansive transformation regarding the use of e-textbooks as important mediating tools for teaching and learning.

Exploring intervention of e-textbook in schools: Teachers’ perspectives

As an innovative educational tool, e-textbooks has gained wide interest – especially with the growth of e-learning. As with any new technology, understanding how users adopt these technologies is still unclear. In the study reported on here we proposed a theoretical model shaping the determinants of teachers’ attitude toward e-textbooks. Specifically, we identified three contextualised factors (ease of use, usefulness, and concerns) as the factors of adopting e-textbooks. In addition, we examined teachers’ use of e-textbooks. A mixed-methods research design was used in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The results show that teachers held positive attitudes toward using e-textbooks in their teaching and used them as instructional aids. The results might inform education decision-makers who are planning to integrate e textbooks into their schools in line with digital transformation and the knowledge society.

Digital transformation of higher education in Australia: Understanding affordance dynamics in E-Textbook engagement and use

This paper addresses digital transformation in higher education by exploring the engagement and use of e-textbooks through an affordance theory lens. Drawing on the insights from in-depth interviews (n = 18), focus group discussions (n = 15), a pilot survey (n = 83) and the main survey (n = 344) in Australia, we developed and validated an affordance actualisation model for the engagement and use of e-textbooks. The partial least squares (PLS) technique was used to validate the dimensions of affordance actualisation and its relationship with e-textbooks engagement and affordance effect. The findings indicate the efficacy of the two affordance constructs, as well as the significant mediating effect of engagement. An important lesson for the e-textbook industry is that firms need to consider affordance actualisation dimensions (i.e., portability, accessibility, searchability, highlighting, copying, browsing, hedonic and utilitarian value) when enhancing digital engagement and use of e-textbooks.

Teaching and learning first-year engineering mathematics over a distance: A critical view over two consecutive years

This article reports on the empirical results and practical aspects concerning the teaching and learning of first-year engineering mathematics at a distance. The investigation over two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) is meant to yield prospects and contribute to the development of suitable pedagogies for online mathematics teaching and learning for engineering students in South Africa in the future. In 2020, lecturers were faced with a “sudden” shift from face-to-face to online teaching and the focus was to save the academic year and leave no student behind; in 2021 the situation was unchanged. Lecturers had to consider key aspects (such as the module structure, teaching theory and practice, and perspectives on “what can work”) in the transition and continuation from face-toface to fully online and developing a suitable teaching and learning approach. Approximately 1000 first-year engineering students at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, were exposed to the newly developed online teaching and learning approach in both years. The approach includes the following key elements: an evaluation of prior knowledge by a diagnostic test; an investigation of students’ attitudes towards mathematics by means of the SATM questionnaire; weekly virtual lecture and tutorial sessions; weekly homework tasks; additional online resources; discussion forums between all role players (students, tutors and lecturers); online tutor support; the use of e-textbooks and online assessments via the university learning management system and an external platform (such as WeBWorK). Both years followed a similar approach, although slight changes were implemented in 2021. Descriptive statistics from key elements were used to monitor the students’ involvement and progress in both years. Results show the teaching and learning approach is effective but has room for improvement. Particularly, the results encourage addressing the needs of the students and lecturers when implementing pedagogical aspects in learning mathematics at a distance.

Prednosti i ograničenja primene e-udžbenika u nastavi srpskog jezika iz perspektive učitelja i budućih učitelja

Electronic textbook as a product of digital technology has a potentially important role in the learning and teaching process. The authors examine the opinions of teachers (N = 266) and future teachers (N = 176) regarding (a) the advantages and (b) limitations of the use of e-textbooks in the Serbian language teaching in younger grades of elementary school. The research findings show there is an agreement in the assessment of positive and negative aspects of the use of this textbook format in teaching. Multimedia, interactivity and hypertextuality are recognized as the most important advantages, and as the most important limitations - the weakening of direct communication between pupils and teachers, screen reading and the impossibility of its application to certain teaching contents. Effectiveness and efficiency of the use of e-textbooks in teaching and learning is determined both by the characteristics of its structure and content and by the way they are used. In that sense, a significant role in achieving the potential developmental and formative impact of electronic textbooks on students is played by a teacher, who is responsible for creating an optimal learning environment.

EFL teachers’ perceptions of the use of e-textbooks at secondary schools in Dong Thap province

This descriptive quantitative study is aimed to investigate the EFL teachers’ perceptions of using e-textbooks in EFL classes at lower-secondary schools in Dong Thap province and what they perceived in terms of the benefits and challenges in using the digital version of the current textbooks. The data were collected through thirty-five Likert scale items and two open-ended questions in the form of online questionnaire from 155 EFL teachers at twelvelower-secondary schools in Dong Thap province. The findings showed that the participants’ perceptions towards applying e-textbooks in their EFL classes are highly positive. These teachers agreed that using e-textbooks is not only convenient for them in teaching but it also has positive effects on enhancinglearners’ English vocabulary, pronunciation and communication competence thanks to the vivid interactive features of the digital version of the current textbooks. In addition, teachers in urban schools have a higher tendency of using e-textbooks than those in the rural ones. Moreover, the results also showed that e-textbooks will be difficult to be applied in the case of unstable internet connection and lack of digital facilities. In addition, it is necessary for teachers to update their technological skills and prepare the lesson plans under the use of e-textbooks to make their teaching practices effectively.

E-Textbooks and Their Application Levels, from the Perspective of Faculty Members at Ajman University, U.A.E.

The aim of this study is to identify the effectiveness of the use of e-textbooks implemented in undergraduate programs at Ajman university from the faculty member’s perspective. The quantitative study applied an analytical descriptive approach on faculty member’s participants (128) from a variety of colleges, in the first academic semester of 2017/2018. The results of the study showed that there is a medium degree of application of e-textbooks and that e-textbooks have an average medium impact on student achievement. The results also showed that the degree of application vary from the perspective of faculty members’ according to gender which was in favor of the female, and according to college variable was in favor of the Business Administration college. Further, the results showed that there are not statistically significant differences according to Academic rank variable and experience variable. The faculty members agree on the need to develop and improve the features and requirements of e-textbooks that have been applied. The findings led to recommendations including the implementation of a training program on e-textbooks for the faculty members’ and students focusing on the features applications and options of e-textbooks.

ДОСВІД ВИКОРИСТАННЯ Е-ПІДРУЧНИКІВ І ЕЛЕКТРОННИХ ЗАСОБІВ НАВЧАЛЬНОГО ПРИЗНАЧЕННЯ В УМОВАХ ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЇ ЗАГАЛЬНОЇ СЕРЕДНЬОЇ ОСВІТИ УКРАЇНИ

The article describes the possibilities of e-textbooks introduction to the school curriculum as an instrument of digital pedagogy for the implementation of quality education. In the research, theoretical methods for systematizing and analyzing various approaches to the definition of the concept "e-textbook" and its classifications are used, the requirements for a modern e-textbook and the conditions for its use at school are generalized, as well as analyzed the proposals for electronic educational means for Ukrainian schools. The needs of teachers, students and their parents in the use of e-textbooks and electronic educational means were identified through empirical methods (observation, survey). Experience of using e-textbooks, electronic educational means is described on the basis of research and experimental work of 25 secondary education institutions. The results are based on sociological surveys, interviews and questionnaires of the participants in the educational process. A total of 1005 respondents took part in the study: 352 students, 296 teachers, 357 parents. The research has shown that most teachers are ready to use e-textbooks, e-tutorials, electronic educational means. It is more convenient for students and teachers to work with multimedia, interactive e-learning tools, e-textbooks. The Ukrainian state educational policy contributes to the development of digital pedagogy, digital education and the creation of high-quality electronic educational resources. International experience determines the priorities of the development of e-textbooks and the transition from static scanned versions of printed textbooks to interactive, multimedia, universal editions in which teachers can transform educational material, and, subsequently, to the development of adaptive versions that will provide students with the opportunity to form individual educational routes. In our future research we intend to concentrate on organizational, psychological and pedagogical conditions for the introduction of e-textbooks to secondary education and teacher training for their use as a guarantee of the development of digital pedagogy.

Learning to read online: the effect of instruction on e-textbook use

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of library instruction on the use of e-textbook features in a seventh-grade science class in Budapest, Hungary. Using the theory of value-expectancy, library instruction was designed to show students how the e-textbook features would improve their study habits.Design/methodology/approachUsing a time-series, within-subject design, the researchers examined the students’ use of e-textbooks before receiving library instruction, and then again after receiving library instruction. Data were collected from student survey responses, focus group interviews, and digital library usage. A repeated-measurest-test was used to compare data collected prior to and following the instructional sessions.FindingsThe results indicate that the use of e-textbook features (glossary, audio, quizzes, notes, highlighter, and video) increased after library instruction. While the use of e-textbook features increased, this did not translate to other types of e-books: the use of the digital library did not increase.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has implications for research on the use of e-textbooks in academic settings. Baseline findings support the existing literature that shows that students do not use all of the features of an e-textbook. The research in this study adds that direct instruction on those features will increase use.Practical implicationsLibrarians and teachers may want to consider direct instruction on e-textbooks. While it may not increase digital library usage, it may benefit the student learning experience.Originality/valueThis study builds on the work related to the student experience of using e-textbook. It highlights the value of library instruction in improving the student experience and use of e-textbooks.

To E-textbook or not to E-textbook? A quantitative analysis of the extent of the use of E-textbooks at Ajman University from students’ perspectives

In an age of globalization and rapid technological development, the United Arab Emirates is committed to merging technology into all higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to identify the degree to which e-textbooks are used at Ajman University, from students’ perspectives. The study was conducted using a descriptive research model, and a 30-item questionnaire was designed to be used as a data collection tool. After its validity was verified, the questionnaire was administered to 880 participants that were recruited from a variety of colleges during the first academic semester of 2017/2018. SPSS was used to analyze the data. The study findings reveal that students at Ajman University use e-textbooks at their university to a high degree. The analysis results also showed that the degree of use varied according to gender (with females being more likely to use them), college type (with Dentistry College students being most likely), and finally according to year of study (with those in their fifth academic year being most likely). The study recommends further research on the application and use of e-textbooks in higher education institutions.

Online Interactivity – A Shift towards E-textbook-based Medical Education

Abstract Textbooks have played the leading role in academic education for centuries and their form has evolved, adapting to the needs of students, teachers and technological possibilities. Advances in technology have caused educators to look for new sources of knowledge development, which students could use inside and outside the classroom. Today’s sophisticated learning tools range from virtual environments to interactive multimedia resources, which can be called e-textbooks. Different types of new educational materials that go beyond printed books are now used to support the academic curriculum, with the most interesting ones exemplified in this article to show their value in medical and life sciences education. Certain interesting attempts by Polish publishers at applying technology to support both self-paced and tutor-paced student learning in the medical profession and related areas are presented. The data was collected through a review of literature, discussions with e-learning specialists and medical students, as well as an analysis of examples of good practices. The article also discusses the results of a countrywide survey on the use of e-textbooks to enhance medical education. The research investigates the targeted academic staff’s attitudes towards the use of e-textbooks, the limitations of their implementation, and the character of e-resources currently used by Polish higher education medical institutions.

Critical Factors of the Adoption of e-Textbooks: A Comparison Between Experienced and Inexperienced Users

The use of e-textbooks has become popular in certain countries, yet there is debate in the literature about whether it is advantageous to adopt e-textbooks and if they positively influence students’ learning and performance. Prior studies on the acceptance of e-textbooks were mainly based on one theoretical perspective, and did not differentiate samples between experienced and inexperienced users. From a social- and task-related view, this study aims to identify the critical factors that stimulate acceptance intentions of e-textbooks among tertiary students, particularly between experienced and inexperienced users. Based on 912 questionnaires, this study found that performance expectancy, perceived enjoyment, and perceived task-technology fit are the factors affecting students’ behavioral intention for acceptance in both sampling groups. However, social impact only has significant influence on acceptance intention of inexperienced users. Also, gender has a moderating effect on the relationship of performance expectancy and behavioral intention of inexperienced users only. This study provides useful implications for marketing e-textbooks, and fills the literature gap.

Continuance of E-Textbook Use by Tertiary Students: A Qualitative Approach

ABSTRACTTextbooks are an important information resource for tertiary students. E-textbooks are now widely available and accessible to students offering them distinct advantages over print books at lower costs. However the uptake of e-textbooks has been slow and student preferences for either medium are not well understood. This study adopts a qualitative approach using an expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) lens and revealed causal mapping to understand from students participating in focus groups, their intentions to continue using e-textbooks. We extend ECT by including two new constructs: perceived quality and perceived value. The results assist in interpreting students’ behavior regarding intentions to continue using e-textbooks and the efficacy of the extended ECT model.

E-textbook as object and mediator: interactions between instructor and student activity systems

In this paper, we discuss the activity systems of students and instructors who used an interactive e-textbook in their instructional activities. Data included instructor interviews and student journals about e-textbook use in eight university courses. Exploration of the data through a cultural-historical activity theory lens indicated that e-textbook use can be limited when students act on it merely as an object without any intentional goal. Without requirements by the instructor, the embedded tools in the e-textbook may do little to support the student activity in the system. In addition, many instructors, as well, approached the e-textbook as an object, and a number of them did not include the e-textbook in their own activity systems. Considering the e-textbook as a mediating tool to address other goals (such as completing an assignment) or to support instructional decisions by faculty through developed awareness of students’ understandings, positioned the e-textbook as a mediator of learning, rather than an object on which to act. We end our discussion pointing to the need for an expansive transformation regarding the use of e-textbooks so they may be positioned as new kinds of mediating tools for learning.

Perceived Factors Influencing Instructors' Use of E-Textbooks in Higher Education

As a form of digital content, e-Textbooks make learning content portable, transferrable, and searchable. Such technology increases students' engagement in learning and make learning highly interactive. However, the adoption of using e-Textbooks in higher education is far from its confirmation stage. This study examines the relationship between perceived attributes of using e-Textbooks by instructors and their actual use of e-Textbooks in higher education. A survey study has been conducted to measure how instructors from public universities in colleges of education perceive using e-Textbooks in higher education. The findings suggest that instructors, institutions, and e-Textbooks publishers should work collaboratively to enhance the use of e-Textbooks in higher education.

Emerging Technologies: E-Textbooks, One Piece of the Puzzle

ABSTRACTThe Internet has not only brought about a new technological era, but also seen the introduction of a number of emerging technologies such as e-textbooks. However, the slow acceptance of e-textbooks is an issue of concern. The objective of this study is to investigate students’ perceptions and use of e-textbooks. Data was collected by using a self-completion questionnaire and a focus group discussion. The results showed that the two major obstacles identified in literature in adopting e-textbooks, access to electronic devices and the lack of computer skills, were not an issue of concern in this study. Unfortunately, the results of this study show that although students are positive about e-textbooks, this positive attitude does not necessarily result in high usage. This has real implications for academics, as the challenge will be to encourage students to try out e-textbooks by incorporating this as part of a pedagogical model, whilst providing safeguards against academic risks.

Lower Secondary School Pupils' Perception of e-Textbooks

The main research aim of the study was to investigate pupils’ perception of the (future) use of e-textbooks. The aim was achieved by a survey involving 250 lower secondary school pupils in the Czech Republic. To analyse the data collected by means of a questionnaire, methods of descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The results showed that no matter if pupils use e-textbooks, the majority of respondents would like to use the e-textbooks in the future. In addition, according to the study pupils have more positive perception of the e-textbook than the printed textbook.

The battle of the e-textbook: Libraries’ role in facilitating student acceptance and use of e-textbooks

The objective of this study is to investigate students’ acceptance and use of e-textbooks to enable libraries to make better informed decisions about their e-book collections. The data were collected in a classroom situation surveying students that had been exposed to e-textbooks. A self-completion questionnaire was used and 254 usable questionnaires were received back. The results showed that most students would prefer to have both a printed and an e-textbook, followed by a printed textbook. Although almost half of the respondents indicated that they would prefer it if the library were to buy more e-textbooks; the others did not see a need for this option; or, alternatively, they did not care at all. However, only 44% of respondents indicated that they knew how to get access to the electronic collection in the library. It was, furthermore, a matter of concern that 82% of the respondents never, or rarely, made use of e-textbooks from the library. It is up to universities, and more specifically libraries, as distributors of information, to take the lead in developing policies, processes, and strategies to deal with e-textbooks, and to manage this electronic challenge successfully.

Identifying User Interaction Patterns in E-Textbooks.

We introduce a new architecture for e-textbooks which contains two navigational aids: an index and a concept map. We report results from an evaluation in a university setting with 99 students. The interaction sequences of the users were captured during the user study. We found several clusters of user interaction types in our data. Three separate user types were identified based on the interaction sequences: passive user, term clicker, and concept map user. We also discovered that with the concept map interface users started to interact with the application significantly sooner than with the index interface. Overall, our findings suggest that analysis of interaction patterns allows deeper insights into the use of e-textbooks than is afforded by summative evaluation.