The textbook is ubiquitous whenever we talk about education. The printed textbook has been playing a stellar role in the entire gamut of education across the length and breadth of the world for centuries. With the proliferation of technology and unprecedented digital access, do printed textbooks hold the same amount of importance in learning?
According to the New York Times, while discussing the future of Digital textbooks, the relevant question that hovers in people's minds is the relevance of textbooks in the digital world, considering there are free online resources that are now easily available. Even the most underdeveloped countries embrace digital textbooks. Hence, Online Textbook Solutions emerge as a new avatar in education.
The extensive foray into digital textbooks challenges the conventional practice of textbooks. Should the emerging digital textbook replace printed textbooks? Are educational establishments in developing countries tending more toward digital assets to enhance learning? Since free resources are abundant, should the Government stop spending money on textbooks?
The answers to these questions above do not depend on the binary; rather, it depends on the context of developing countries, including digital availability, infrastructure, and capacity. Even though developing countries quickly catch up with the trend, the old gracious physical textbook importance cannot dwarf.
In the digital generation, digital learning materials are almost part and parcel. However, it is just as vital that it can bolster by the next-generation physical textbook that upticks and guides their consequence.
Ways to Build Textbooks Relevant In the Digital Generation
Policymakers can take a strong initiative to deliver textbooks perfected with digital learning to bolster students' performance in developing countries.
Develop Textbooks in Real-time that Help Easy Navigating Curriculum
There is no doubt that textbook is the bedrock of education that renders a roadmap for learning attainment. According to the Study, getting good marks on the part of the students depends on relevant and quality textbooks.
Why Textbook count by Cambridge assessment was instrumental in bringing back the focus on the textbook in England that points out the abysmal math performance compared to Singapore and Finland reveals that only 10% of teachers in England use a textbook.
However, the rapid change is documented as a wake-up call for developing countries to ensure that the textbook is quick to update and relevant to match the changing dynamics of time in terms of skill and knowledge moving forward
Healthy Blending of Digital Assets and Printed Textbook
It is interesting to note that the Republic of Korea desires to go fully digital. In the US, the states of Texas and California prefer to have digital books yet go fully digital.
However, developing countries, notwithstanding the simmering challenges in the direction of teachers, classrooms, and toilet facilities, can and should develop blended simulation, videos, and multimedia elements embedded in the textbook to satisfy the learning requirements of the digital generation students.
The force behind digital resources lies in revolutionizing how learners are taught to make learning more engaging by being self-paced, interactive, and personalized.
Opportunity for the Teacher to Go Behind the Textbooks
There are plenty of resources and tools in the digital era. The role played by the teacher in the digital landscape is mentor instead of just the provider of knowledge. It documents that next-generation textbooks endorse independent and project-related study warrant teachers who are innovative and proactive.
For example, in Nepal, where you can find that some organizations are developing online materials for imparting training on math, science, and English in educational establishments, and the basic tenant is that teachers are adept at using e-content effectively.
Bhutan and Sri Lanka, an educational organization, has taken the initiative in the form of adaptive learning customized to suit the learning needs of diverse students. Teachers use the tool to assist students in different phases of learning to have a good grip on the concepts being taught through independent Study.
Invest in Both Digital Assets and Next Generation Textbooks
Some opine that free online resources are aplenty. However, the reality is just the opposite. To redefine the outlandish textbooks, the Government should invest substantially in making newer textbooks that are flexible in navigating and pertinent in the realm of the digital landscape that can perfectly align with their digital brethren. Government should discard textbooks and, in this process, saves money.
Developing countries have different contradictions; you can rarely find schools with digital sound infrastructure, whereas schools with no digital amenities are in remote areas. Therefore, Government should prudently allocate a budget for both realities.
Last but not least, it continues to have quality textbooks and more digital learning tools and resources, and regarding this Government should invest more in it.
Sound Connectivity for Schools to Optimize Online Learning
Better connectivity is an important consideration. It opens up a great leeway for e-Learning and e-library platforms to update textbooks and supplement them with creative teaching methods and the latest educational trends.
The role of the textbook is even more vital in the digital platform. Digital resources can help you access many open resources and online materials to achieve learning objectives.
Crazy For Study is considered one of the leading online academic solution providers. CFS provides fantastic academic solutions to diverse audiences across the length and breadth of the globe. If homes an astounding 50 million Textbook Solutions. Moreover, students can access it by paying nominal fees.
Final Words
We must repackage an innovative textbook policy and practice that aligns perfectly with the digital era. If done correctly, we can integrate a textbook with digital resources and technology tools effectively, leading to enhanced student learning.
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