Encouraging E‐Textbook Adoption: Merging Two Models

Abstract

This research builds a new model by drawing upon e-textbook adoption models developed in two recent publications, which share similarities but have different findings. Although they both achieve positive results, these two prior e-textbook studies employ different methods and background theories. This research bridges these earlier models and develops a third, parsimonious, blended model for e-textbook adoption. Using a survey of undergraduate students, the authors first assess each model independently. Broadening the diversity of the sample population yields results that are similar, yet slightly different from those found in the prior two studies. Next, this study develops a single blended, parsimonious model that explains a higher proportion of the variance than the prior studies with just three constructs: perceived usefulness, hedonic motivation, and habit. In addition to developing and testing a new parsimonious model, this research provides theoretical and practical guidance for e-textbook usage.

The greening of IT use: the impact of environmental concerns on the use of internet systems

“…For instance, one study found that the intention to adopt e-books rather than using "polluting" paper books depends on the price and perceived convenience but not on the level of one's Environmental Concerns (Terpend et al, 2014). In contrast, a replication of that study published in 2017 did find a significant positive relation between Environmental Concerns and the use of e-books (Gerhart et al, 2017). One difference between those studies involves the way the Environmental Concerns construct was measured.…”

“…Terpend et al (2014) implemented Environmental Concerns as a generic concern (e.g. "I am concerned about the environment") whereas Gerhart et al (2017) contextualised it to e-book use (e.g. "I would buy an e-textbook if using it instead of a paper book would reduce environmental pollution").…”

Electronic teaching resources for university cell biology supports improved student learning outcomes

“…Students can be concerned that e-textbooks are difficult to use and do not provide the intuitive feel of a print textbook. 4 An overall doubt regarding the effectiveness of an e-textbook is also a key issue with students, with usefulness one of the strongest indicator for a student in subscribing and using the resource. 1 The potential interactivity of an e-textbook is another central feature that sets it apart from a traditional print textbook.…”

“…Strategies to promote and improve e-textbook use have been discussed in the recent publication of Gerhart and colleagues. 4 There can be a preconception by academic administrators that e-textbooks and print textbooks are identical in scope, and that students will only be concerned about the costs associated with the decision on which platform is to be used. Two models have been proposed outlining the use of e-textbooks, or more specifically, why uptake is not higher.…”

“…Two models have been proposed outlining the use of e-textbooks, or more specifically, why uptake is not higher. 4 Firstly, ease of use and price are considered positive indicators, while "internet self-efficiency" and concerns about the environment were not viewed as issues. The second model put forward is the concept of "task-technology fit" (TTP) which considers whether the subject matter and the applications that the e-textbook can provide, are compatible.…”