The Use of Digital Books and Videobooks: The New Norm for Higher Education

Over the years, technology has changed many things in our lives, including the way how learning in higher education is conducted. The COVID-19 health crisis has confirmed the need to change beforehand so that when crisis hits higher education institutions, among others, they are ready. In the future, traditional textbooks could be thing of the past. From past experience, it is evident that reading assignments based on traditional textbooks are rarely ever completed and indeed they are burdensome to students. Generations differ from one to another. At one point in time when for a particular generation when traditional textbooks were the norm here comes a new generation where digital books and videobooks are the new norm. Higher education institutions have to realize the new reality. Digital books and videobooks can be used to support and perhaps over time replace the use of traditional textbooks. There are many factors that make the use of digital books and videobooks attractive. These books are easily accessible, readable, and searchable. Students can access and use videobooks at their convenience from any mobile device at anytime. Flipped classroom, a type of blended learning, provides rich environment to enhance the use of digital books and videobooks. Before coming to class, students read assignments in a digital book and then watch videobooks explaining the main concepts. The professor can supplement the role of these books by expanding the discussion in the classroom. Although their use can vary depending on discipline, digital books and videobooks are here stay. Digital books and videobooks are more convenient to use and could lead to a much needed efficiency for universities, professors, and students alike. These types of new books provide opportunities like never before.