Title: Electronic textbooks: usability of advanced features a limiting factor

Authors: Doug A. Peterson

Addresses: Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

Abstract: Electronic textbooks (eTexts) are promoted as the evolution of the print textbook. However, usage and student opinion have not lived up to expectations. This study explores how a modification of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) assessing usability (ease of use) and perceived usefulness of specific features affects overall use of electronic textbooks. Students reported frequency of use, perceived usefulness and perceived usability of eight eText functions. Based on the responses of 100 undergraduate eText users, this study finds very high associations between usability and perceived usefulness and actual feature use. The findings confirm that the advanced eText features such as highlighting, annotating and linking to external information are among the least usable features available and thus less likely to be used. Results support the conclusion that usability of electronic textbooks must be improved before they will be a viable alternative to print textbooks.

Keywords: educational technology; electronic textbooks; technology acceptance model; usability; user experience.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2017.087087

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2017 Vol.11 No.4, pp.360 - 377

Received: 22 Mar 2017
Accepted: 26 May 2017
Published online: 05 Oct 2017 *

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