Are Open Course Textbooks the Solution to the Rising Cost of Education?

Today I have Nadia Jones as guest blogger. Please be sure to check out her unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me.

College textbooks are expensive, there is no arguing that. In fact, the average college student attending a 4-year public university spent more than $1,000 on books and supplies for the 2011-12 school year, College Board reports. And while students typically don't even get to all of the material included in their textbooks, prices are still steadily on the rise.

That's not to say that some efforts haven't been made to reduce the price of textbooks—Apple just recently launched iBooks 2, an app that in addition to offering easily updated discounted digital e-books also allows educators to author their own cost-effective textbooks. But education advocates say that this method doesn't suffice. Students must still purchase an iPad in order to access iBooks2, a device that most already struggling students can't afford. Not to mention that studies show that digital textbooks aren't really that much cheaper than traditional textbooks anyway. One Daytona State study showed that students only end up saving about a buck each semester by opting to use digital textbooks instead of traditional ones.

So what's another plausible solution? Many experts are saying open-source textbooks—essentially free (or practically free) online downloadable textbooks and materials. In fact, many schools have already jumped onboard with this idea.
Washington State's vocational and community colleges have a functioning open course library where students can download a "bundle" of material for a mere $30. Included is not only the selection of textbooks for 80 different courses, but additional course material and syllabi as well. Earlier this month Rice University also announced its plan to adopt an open course textbooks for its freshman classes.

The open course textbook ideas is even hitting high schools— for example Utah State classrooms are really considering adopting open course textbooks since figures show it would only cost the state $5 per printed open course textbook as opposed to $80 for a traditional one.

While providing open course textbooks really seem like a cost effective-way to make education more affordable for everyone, it'll definitely take some time before they hold any real weight. And not just because states and other educational institutions are too slow to catch on, but also because there are many people who still love the touch and feel of tangible textbooks. In fact, if given the choice, many students say they would still prefer to buy a traditional textbook than an e-book. So would a printed open course book make a difference? One would hope. What do you think?

This is a guest post by Nadia Jones who blogs at accredited online colleges about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics.
You can reach Nadia at her email.

Many thanks to Nadia.
Enjoy your reading!