Textbooks have become a problem over the years. The books themselves are better than ever, as they are up to date, in full color, and have lots of ancillary materials. What's not to like? But the downside is that their cost has risen beyond the means of most students. I have seen instances of the book price being higher than the course tuition.
In addition, students hate to read the book. They may scan an assigned chapter but rarely seen to read the whole thing. Most of today's students were brought up on video and the internet so are move visual acclimated and accustomed to reading short messages. A big book is an intimidator.
Some solutions I have seen include students sharing a book, using it in the library, or buying used or older editions online, Yet prices are still high. My recent ETD listserv survey indicated that cost was a major issue. And many are moving away from using textbooks in favor of using instructor-developed materials, online items and other free or low cost stuff. As a textbook author, I have noticed a marked decline in sales over the years. I know publishers are concerned but few have done much to solve the problem.
Ebooks are one solution that students can buy online without the bookstore mark up. Custom books are another possibility where you get to choose what chapters to include. Going to black & white from color is another option.
Another textbook problem is that they often do not cover the topics needed within a course. The books do a good job of covering the fundamentals but typically do not include the latest technologies. I wish the publishers would put out a series of chapter or white paper length modules on the various specialties like audio, video, wireless, solar and wind, automotive, IoT and many others. Make them in color and let students buy directly.
What are your suggestions for solving the textbook problem.
Cheers for now.
Lou
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