ebooks vs Textbooks?

nlitened · Jan 10, 2015

It's really your preference. Personally, I dislike ebooks. I need an actual books that I can write in, highlight in, etc. Yes, they are expensive and heavy as hell, but I need my actual book.

caliotter3 · Jan 10, 2015

Ebook not useful when you are in a situation where you do not have access to your computer or tablet to access the ebook. But for cost comparisons, good choice to save money. For a title that you would want to keep after the course or program is over, you will want a book. Ebooks typically are time limited.

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 10, 2015

For me it depends on the class. I don't mind ebooks for easier non science courses, especially those I take online. But science classes I couldn't do, no. Especially because I'm always flipping pages to look back at things and reference other pictures /charts

akg713, CNA · Jan 10, 2015

Good point ladies.. thank you.!!

caliotter3 · Jan 10, 2015

For me it depends on the class. I don't mind ebooks for easier non science courses, especially those I take online. But science classes I couldn't do, no. Especially because I'm always flipping pages to look back at things and reference other pictures /charts

Speaking to this: I have found ebooks to be very inconvenient to use on both my computer and tablet. Pages are difficult to turn, keep turned, just difficult to navigate, depending upon the platform being used. At this point, for textbooks, I would lean toward print books for this reason.

Mami.RN, MSN, RN · Jan 10, 2015

I actually like my ebooks. I dont highlight much so its not a big deal but however some programs let you highlight and write notes on them. I loved that i have 10 in tablet and all my books are on it. No carrying around thick books for me.

secquoria, CNA · Jan 11, 2015

Believe it or not I used an e-book strictly for my Microbiology course last fall. I had access to it during my bus commute, breaks at work, in between class... If I wasn't on the computer, I read all my course work materials from my cell phone. It was very convenient for me. I left the class with a 4.0 (I really shocked myself).

All in all, it may be a matter of preference. Use the e-book for a less taxing course just to test it out. I did a test run with a summer Nutrition course and did well with that. If you end up taking the Chemistry class with the e-book and do not like the experience, you can always borrow the previous version of the same text from your on-campus library as a back-up. Much of those books have the same materials anyway.

Best wishes in your final decision!