Is it Time for Digital Textbooks?

Oh heck yeah!

As the mom of two college aged kids, I definitely believe it's time to get my college students to buy digital textbooks. On Sunday, I was surprised to read an article in my hometown newspaper about the Texas legislature passing the initial phase of making money available for our public schools to purchase ditigal textbooks. One Texas House member went as far as to say that kids look at paper textbooks much as we look at a horse and buggy.

Everyone here knows I'm a big advocate of reading green. Maybe it's because I write 'green' too but no, that's not the only reason. Ebooks are cheaper and protect the environment and wow, isn't it nice to be able to tote your library around in your purse? Color me a slave to convenience but e-books ROCK and so do the devices we read them on.

I digress though. I'm actually talking more about our kids at this point. Last November, Business Week magazine published an article about how digital textbooks are a viable option for college kids who are sick of paying almost $900 per year on textbooks. Since the 1980's, the cost of textebooks has tripled. Books that might run $100 each in a college bookstore are available in places on line such as Cingage Learning's iChapters for half the price. No special reading device, such as the Sony or Kindle is needed (although they could certainly be used). A laptop will do the trick and most college kids have one. What is super cool about these digital reads is that information is embedded into the book such as audio tracks, video clips and hyperlinks. Handy, huh?

True, these books can't be sold back to the campus bookstore. That is a real downside but, as a former college student, I can't tell you how many times I re-sold my books and felt I'd been hugely ripped off. And how many times did you sign up for a class thinking you'd buy 'used' only to learn a new, updated version was now required? That happened to me a gazillion times. Yeah. RIP-OFF.

I would love to talk my kids into digital versions of textbooks. I'm working on them.

But I must say, I thought it was very cool that states are looking into making digital textbooks available to our elementary through high school grades. I believe, in the long run, schools and taxpayers would save some money and our kids would love working with advanced technology.

Now for some shameless self promotion!
Today my regency historical Chasing Temptation is available at Resplendence Publishing. So if you are a fan of ultra hot regency please check it out HERE!


Chasing Temptation
Regina Carlysle

Blurb:

London’s Haute Ton calls her Miss Temptation. But Elizabeth Grayson can’t be bothered by society’s diversions while seeking justice for her murdered sister. She is a woman on a dangerous mission. Now is not the time for mindless social engagements or courtships from men she has no intention of marrying. However, Christian Delaford is no ordinary man. He stirs her like no one she has ever met before. His eyes speak of sin and tangled sheets. Of decadent nights spent in his arms. Far too diverting for her peace of mind.

Christian Delaford, the Duke of Haverton, must be married by midnight of his birthday or forfeit his heritage to a distant relation. After years of living a hedonistic life in the Orient, the thought of binding himself forever to an insipid English Miss fairly curls his toes. London’s current ‘diamond of the first water’, however, changes his mind. In Elizabeth, he finds a bold and daring woman who harbors a terrifying secret. He vows to chase Miss Temptation, to the ends of the earth if needs be, and save her from the forces that would tear them both apart.