The Influence of Electronic and Traditional Printed Textbooks on Undergraduate Students’ Learning

Author(s) : Hafza Riaz, Faiqa Akram & Dr. Azhar Pervaiz

Abstract:

Abstract
The advancements in the field of technology have led to a shift in the learning techniques of students and the different formats of electronic books are accommodating traditional printed books. This study investigates how the new paradigm of e-learning is assisting university students through the use of smart gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The reading preferences of 62 undergraduate students were examined based on the compatibility and ease of using either e-books or printed books for their academic purposes. The data were analyzed in light of the Attributes of Diffusion of Innovations Theory by E. M. Rogers (1962). The results of the study show that due to more advantages, compatibility, observability, and no issues regarding trialability and complexity, students prefer printed books over electronic ones.
Keywords: E-learning, electronic books, traditional books, printed books, observability, complexity, compatibility