Students have started to notice the increasing popularity of online textbooks. According to Assistant Textbook Administrator Mrs. Wavie Green, all textbooks will be online in only a few more years.

At a workshop held by the county over the summer, Mrs. Green was urged “to encourage students to choose online textbooks.”

It was announced at the workshop that one subject will be completely online. This year, it was decided that the subject will be social studies. The old textbooks for certain social studies classes were kept, but a sufficient number of new textbooks for subjects such as AP World History, Economics, and American Government were not bought.

Technology Facilitator Mrs. Patti Boggs expressed some concern when she said, “We can’t go to online books until we’re able to give kids devices.” Despite this opinion, however, Mrs. Boggs predicts, “Eventually we will be paper-less schools.”

A teacher who has successfully transitioned to online textbooks is physics teacher Dr. Paul Becht. The students use a class set of iPads to browse the textbook during class. Dr. Becht enjoys how the lessons are completely interactive.

Aside from providing easy-access from any device with Internet, online textbooks have many other redeeming qualities. A major advantage is how online textbooks are weightless. Students will no longer have to lug around thousand-page textbooks in their backpacks. Online textbooks also address all learning styles. Regardless of how you prefer to learn, special features can be found online to assist you.

While there are numerous advantages, disadvantages are also complained about by students.

Junior Swara Desai expressed her dislike of online textbooks when she said, “The online textbooks have been a huge inconvenience. The website isn’t very reliable.”

Mrs. Green addresses this problem by explaining, “There should be a plan B.”

With the problems brought to attention, Sophomore Lisa Yang said, “I don’t expect online textbooks to be used regularly for at least the next few years.”