College
students still lean toward print formats for their course materials, but
they’re using more digital materials these days.
The newly
released survey analysis from NACS OnCampus Research, Student Watch: Attitudes
and Behaviors toward Course Materials: 2015-2016 Report, showed the largest block
of students still prefer to study from traditional print books. However, there
was a slight uptick in students—26% in the last academic year, as opposed to
24% the previous year—who would rather use a print/digital bundle. Bundles
usually include a print textbook plus online access to a digital version of the
book in addition to other materials and study aids.
About 17%
of students say they could go either way when it comes to print or digital,
depending on the nature of the particular course. Approximately three-quarters of
survey respondents had experienced digital course materials for at least one
class, sometimes because the instructor required its use to fulfill online assignments.
When
students have a choice between digital materials or print, paper wins out as
being easier for studying, including being able to flip back and forth as
needed and causing less eye strain than a computer screen. The main advantage
of digital is convenience—not having to haul a heavy book around campus—but 45%
of students said they purchased digital because it was cheaper.
