Go Digital or Go Home? That is the question.

In AP Environmental Science this year, there were about 20 books fewer than there were students. Guess who was one of those 20 students luck enough to get a digital copy of the textbook instead? Yes, that's right: me.

Now before I go into more detail about implications of going digital, I would like to talk about my own personal reactions to the online software. 1) It's inconvenient. I see all of my classmates working on their homework whenever they get free time. They just flip to the page with the questions and then back into the chapter to find the answer. I, on the other hand, have to wait until I get home and then load two pages (for convenience): one with the questions and one with the chapter itself. Now, I would be fine with the online forum if it were not so difficult to navigate. The user interface has not been developed to a point where it is as easy to use as a textbook, where one simply just flips the page. Honestly, it's annoying having to jog your memory so often to remember what page a certain definition was on. In a book, I use pictures and other 'landmarks' to find where I need to look for the definition. So basically, I only have the one problem of inconvenience. I can't utilize my spare time at school or in the car to do my homework, and instead have to waste time at home to do so. Additionally, the interface is not nearly as user-friendly as a textbook.

Okay, now for other factors that play a major role in this possible switch. 1) Going digital will save millions of dollars. Okay, so this is a nearly impossible statement to argue. Saving millions of dollars is definitely worth the inconvenience. The money saved can be used to improve facilities and teacher education. In addition, the money can be used to buy tablets, which will allow students to work on assignments even when they're not at home! 2) Going digital will allow juveniles to become more familiar with technology. Okay, let's face it. The world economy is being dictated by advances in technology. If students remain complacent over using technology, then they will be left with the worst jobs in the market. Employers are looking for applicants who are comfortable with using certain software because it allows for better organization and more efficiency in the workplace. Students are forced to use online books will be better prepared for the job market. And lastly, 3) Going digital will allow students to be exposed to new resources that will promote a better learning experience. Even though the software I am using does not have interactive videos and additional information on certain topics, I have heard of softwares that do have such accessories. These addendums will allow students to better grasp the information because they can find answers to their questions very easily. 

Athough I do not like my online book, I do believe that with some time and funding it is possible to create a very easy and interactive interface that will promote a student's academic growth. Saving money, assimilation with technology, and enhanced resources will allow students to grasp content an perform better in class.