Student Perception Of Traditional Versus Alternative Textbook Value
In today’s environment of rising tuition and textbook costs, we surveyed business majors concerning their preferences regarding various text options that are available for their academic studies. Specifically, we surveyed 329 students enrolled in upper-level business courses at a midlevel Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited Midwestern university. Students were asked to report the variety of classroom texts that they have utilized in the past and their text preferences based on their text experiences From the sample of students, 67% reported that they had used an online e-text for one or more of their classes. However, only 41 of the 220 students, or 19%, believed that the online e-text was a better learning vehicle or more convenient than the traditional text they used in their other classes. The entire sample of 329 students was also asked if they had a preference for a course text mode based on whether the course was a part of their major, involved extensive reading, analytical work, or was terminology oriented. In all areas, the students indicated a slight or strong preference for the traditional hard text.
The impact of nontraditional and sustainable textbook options on student learning in a social work skills course
Abstract The cost of textbooks is problematic for many students at American colleges as prices have increased by 140% in almost two decades (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This economic injustice causes students to miss out on educational opportunities because they have to prioritize paying for their basic needs over textbooks. This article discusses a research study which explored students’ perceptions of using an Open/Alternative Educational Resource (OAER), specifically a nontraditional textbook in a social work skills course. Overall, results support the notion that students are amenable to buying a low cost, nontraditional textbook option.
Fatigue effects on the coordinative pattern during cycling: kinetics and kinematics evaluation.
The aim of the present study was to analyze the net joint moment distribution, joint forces and kinematics during cycling to exhaustion. Right pedal forces and lower limb kinematics of ten cyclists were measured throughout a fatigue cycling test at 100% of PO(MAX). The absolute net joint moments, resultant force and kinematics were calculated for the hip, knee and ankle joint through inverse dynamics. The contribution of each joint to the total net joint moments was computed. Decreased pedaling cadence was observed followed by a decreased ankle moment contribution to the total joint moments in the end of the test. The total absolute joint moment, and the hip and knee moments has also increased with fatigue. Resultant force was increased, while kinematics has changed in the end of the test for hip, knee and ankle joints. Reduced ankle contribution to the total absolute joint moment combined with higher ankle force and changes in kinematics has indicated a different mechanical function for this joint. Kinetics and kinematics changes observed at hip and knee joint was expected due to their function as power sources. Kinematics changes would be explained as an attempt to overcome decreased contractile properties of muscles during fatigue.