SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is trying to save its students some cash at the book store. Post-secondary students can breathe a little easier now that digital open textbooks are being introduced.
“Increasing our use for open textbooks is an important initiative that speaks to our broader goal of reducing costs for students and using innovative teaching tools,” said Patti McDougall, U of S vice-provost of teaching and learning.
Students typically pay anywhere from $500 to $1,200 on textbooks and the U of S has six courses undertaking the digital textbook method. To date, this is saving 900 students a total of $90,000 in textbook costs.
READ MORE: Past University of Saskatchewan president hopes for new, similar role
Students are pleased with the decision.
“I originally thought I did prefer the traditional paper textbook, but I’ve found that I do prefer having them on my laptop,” said second-year student Jacqueline Gelineau.
“It’s free which is the best and also I get to have my laptop with me everywhere.”
Students can take online notes, make highlights and print off pages for hard copy viewing.
Likewise, professors can make alterations to assist their lessons. Whether it be choosing a specific chapter or adding more current information to the text itself, this new technology is an innovative teaching tool expected to grow in popularity.
The possibility of this initiative entering high school classrooms is also being discussed.
Comments