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What Is an eTextbook? A Guide to General Questions on eTextbooks

what is etextbook

In 2019 alone, there were over 19 million college students in the United States. To maximize learning, college students must come to class prepared with the right materials and that includes having the right textbooks. Thanks to digital advancement, students can reap the benefits of eTextbooks instead of physical books.

Are you wondering, what is an eTextbook and can I use one for my class? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

We answer all your questions about digital textbooks so you can go to class prepared and save money, too.

What Is an Etextbook?

They are digital, downloadable versions of a physical textbook. Some classes will allow digital textbooks, which can save you big on the cost of your supplies.

What Are the Benefits?

They come with many advantages. For example:

Cheaper Than Print Books

Most eBooks are a fraction of the cost compared to the print version. This is especially useful for college students who are often on a tight budget.

Environmentally Friendly

They reduce the amount of paper we use compared to physical textbooks. As a result, far fewer trees get cut down.

Save Multiple eTextbooks on One Device

Tired of lugging around a bag full of heavy textbooks?

Luckily, with eTextbooks, you only need one lightweight device to store everything.

Online Course Integration

Many provide course curriculum and learning activities to help students absorb information. Instructors can also monitor the class’s progress and set deadlines for these learning tasks.

Shareable Content

Collaboration is a powerful tool for learning and eBooks are a fantastic way to access this. You can use the social feature on your eTextbook to share and like content with your peers, making it easier to share ideas and help one another.

Text-to-Speech Feature

Many have a text-to-speech feature. This lets you listen to eTextbooks if you’re too busy to read like when you’re driving or doing chores.

It’s also helpful for those with a visual impairment or a learning disability because it improves accessibility.

Updates Automatically

Because most are cloud-based, they automatically update. This lets authors and publishers add up-to-date information so you get the latest digital content at no extra cost. 

Which Devices Do They Work On?

You can read eBook textbooks on your Macbook, PC, or any mobile device. You may need to download an e-Reader application or software so you can read the eTextbook rental.

Do You Need the Internet to Read Etextbooks?

You don’t need an internet connection to access digital textbooks. Once you’ve downloaded an eTextbook, you can read it anytime. 

But if you want to use organizational features or sync eBook textbooks, you must be online.

Can I Access My eTextbook on the Web?

There are a variety of eTextbooks available on the web but most are accessible offline and in the e-Reader application. Most colleges let you use up to four devices for the same account.

What Are the Most Common eReader File Formats?

The most popular eTextbook file formats are Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, and PRC. You can also convert these into HTML and DOC files if necessary.

If you’re using a mobile device, you may need to download additional software like Kindle Reader, Barnes & Noble Reader, Bluefire Reader, or Stanza.

Do eTextbooks Look Like the Physical Version?

The eTextbook publishers work hard to ensure the content from the physical copy is the same in the digital version. This means you’ll see the same graphs, charts, tables, and drawings as the print version.

Digital books are particularly useful in general education courses.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between an eTextbook and a Physical Textbook When Purchasing Online?

You’ll notice that all eTextbooks have a special “eTextbook” notice underneath the title. If not, it’s usually located elsewhere on the product description.

Can I Refund an eTextbook?

Contact the company if you want to request a refund. It’s important to note that many companies won’t reimburse you if you’ve opened the eTextbook on your browser or device.

Can I Rent eTextbooks?

Many establishments offer rental options for a certain amount of time. This is most often specified on the book’s page. It’s often for half a year or a full year.

Once that period ends, you won’t have access to the eTextbook anymore. You’ll still have access to your notes and a chance to buy or re-rent the eTextbook.

Why Are There Copy and Print Restrictions on eTextbooks?

There are restrictions because publishers want to prevent the unauthorized reproduction of their textbooks. As a result, there may be a limit to how many pages you can copy and print from a book. 

But don’t worry, you can find all the restrictions listed on the website before you buy the eTextbook.

Can I Buy Etextbooks If I Live Outside of the United States?

Most publishers only let customers who live in the U.S or Canada purchase eTextbooks. Check their policy before purchasing.

What Are the Key eTextbook Features That Enhance My Learning?

An eTextbook lets you:

  • Highlight important concepts and make notes to share them online
  • Mark sections of text you don’t understand so an instructor can help
  • Do a keyword search so you can find relevant information
  • Create bookmarks, reading assignments, and virtual flashcards to help your revision

You can also highlight any words you’re unfamiliar with and get a definition online.

How Can I Avoid Digital Eyestrain?

Reading for a long time without looking away is the main cause of eyestrain. To avoid this, follow the 20/20/20 rule when reading.

This means you should look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to relieve and prevent eyestrain.

Save Big by Using eTextbooks

Now you know more information about digital textbooks and won’t have to ask, “what is an eTextbook?”

eTextbooks have many advantages from letting you highlight important passages to storing multiple books on one device. This makes learning easier, more accessible, and cheaper which is crucial for college students. Happy learning!

Want to check out more textbook subjects? If so, check out our collection here.

About the Author

Christopher Manns

I was born in the UK, grew up in Canada and have lived in the USA since the 90s. I love my family, water sports, ice hockey, skiing and soccer. When I'm not helping people save money on textbooks, I'm travelling with my wonderful family and playing sports.