Focus group study on student perception of electronic textbooks

Abstract

Electronic textbooks are a common topic in academic research, yet the future is not being investigated from a student perspective. This paper aims to add to the current research by outlining students’ reading habits in physical and electronic textbooks and identify what students believe they need to properly study. This study utilized focus groups with design and engineering students. These disciplines were chosen due to their similar goals, yet different approaches. Findings showed that the two groups of students approach their academic readings in a different way and when looking towards future electronic textbooks require some discipline specific components. Yet, their similarities caused some of their views and ideas to be the same, such as being able to insert their own images into the textbooks and the desire for less text and more interactive components to facilitate their learning. Understanding discipline needs and including student input based on their perceived needs will assist in designing future electronic textbooks that will meet academic needs.