The first instalment in Volume Two of the Book Industry Study Group (BISG)'s ongoing Student Attitudes Toward Content in Higher Education survey shows that students are rebelling against the rising costs of textbooks in a variety of ways. Some students are settling for older editions of assigned textbooks, according to BISG. In fact, less than 60 percent of surveyed students purchased current print editions - new or used. The frequency of illicit behaviour such as photocopying (measured for the first time in this survey) is less than expected.
Still, it remains an issue with 4.1 percent of students saying they engage in these practices frequently and almost 25 percent saying they do this occasionally. Among the legal, low-cost alternatives, students are exploring textbook rentals, which 11% of respondents report using, a significant increase over the past year.
Student Attitudes Toward Content in Higher Education focuses on college student perceptions related to educational content and presentation media in the higher education marketplace. Volume Two is powered by Bowker Market Research and sponsored by Baker & Taylor, Cengage Learning, Chegg, CourseSmart, Follett Higher Education Group, Half.com, Kno, the National Association of College Stores and Pearson.
Among the opportunities, the survey reveals that integrated digital learning platforms are perceived by students to add significant value to course material. When a core textbook was part of an integrated learning system, respondents rated its value and overall satisfaction level an average of more than 14% higher than a textbook that was not part of such a system. Further, interactive whiteboards have now become the most common classroom technology, with over 38% of respondents reporting usage "to a large extent."
The study also explores the use of devices such as smartphones and tablets. Though mobile devices are increasingly commonplace, they continue to be underutilised for academic content. The pressure is on to leverage the use of these devices in the higher education space. Nearly 15% of respondents have a tablet device now, with another over 30% reporting an interest in acquiring an Apple iPad. About 46% of students expressed interest in getting textbooks on their iPad.
The survey findings come from a semi-annual online survey of college students, drawn from a nationally representative panel. To ensure the survey questions explored the appropriate trends and issues, they were developed in partnership with a variety of publishers and other companies working in the higher ed market place. In addition to the core question set, survey sponsors and other interested parties can submit proprietary questions to supplement the core findings.
The survey findings are available for sale both as a PDF summary report and as a complete data compendium, accessible online. A substantial discount is available for BISG members. For more information or to order a copy, please visit http://www.bisg.org/publications/product.php?p=22&c=437.
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