Developing an Effective E-Textbook for CS101 Students at UH Hilo: An iBook Instructional Module

Abstract

Today’s college students rely on digital devices to socialize, organize, and search for information. Many are opting for digital learning resources in place of print textbooks; therefore, institutions of higher education need to address students’ changing needs. Recent studies have found that the mere transfer of print books to digital format without interactive components does not affect performance or engagement of students (Larson, 2010; Weisberg, 2011). As CS101 instructors at the University of Hawaii at Hilo consider adapting traditional print resources to digital format, this research project aims to determine effective design and implementation strategies. An interactive e-textbook was developed using iBooks Author with a variety of widgets added to maximize interactivity, learning, motivation and engagement. College and pre-college students voluntarily participated by responding to a survey and a test before learning about HTML from a self-instructional e-textbook. After completing the e-textbook, participants responded to a post-survey and a post-test. Seventy-three percent of participants who completed the e-textbook scored better on the post-test than the pre-test. Most found the interactive widgets helpful and see e-textbooks as a viable alternative to print textbooks.