A conceptual model for e-textbook creation based on proposed characteristics

Abstract

Purpose This paper is part of an extensive research conducted as part of a doctoral thesis. The purpose of this paper is to collect and present the comprehensive list of e-textbook characteristics acquired from research in the English as a foreign language (EFL) subject area in Croatian higher education and present a useful checklist in the form of a conceptual model for e-textbook creation. Design/methodology/approach Literature was reviewed with the aim of collecting published e-textbook characteristics which were then combined with the characteristics obtained from research data. The data were collected through four distinct online questionnaires on the Survey Monkey platform. Findings Teaching EFL requires the use of different materials, authentic and specifically published for this purpose. The research results are used to discuss the possibility of blending all materials into one electronically published unit by considering the proposed e-textbook characteristics. The presented conceptual model for e-textbook creation can be used as a foundation for e-textbook design and evaluation in all subject fields. Originality/value The paper presents a list of e-textbook characteristics as an extensive list which can be applied in e-textbook design and evaluation in any subject field.