ABSTRACT
Textbook publishers offer digital programs, which include an eBook as well as primary sources and assessments. These assessments include multiple choice, matching, and true/false questions, which are automatically graded. Instructors have the option of arranging and personalizing the content of these digital programs as well as omitting content that is not applicable. These digital programs therefore can both complement and supplement the instructor’s own content. These digital programs improve students’ understanding and retention of course content by breaking down the subject matter into small units, which each include an assessment, thereby improving students’ retention of course content, as the assessments continually test students’ comprehension of reading material. These assessments are also interactive and include graphics and images, which may improve student engagement with the subject matter. In addition, these digital programs include analytical features, which enable instructors to track students’ interaction with their content. One drawback to using these digital programs in online courses is their cost, especially as students’ financial resources are often limited. Instructors may therefore opt for using a free open educational resource for their online course textbook.
