Investigating the Status of Tablet Computers and E-Books Use of Open Education Faculty Students

Abstract

The increase in tablet computers and e-books use brings to mind the question of how users benefited from these technologies. In this sense, the present study investigated the status of students' tablet computers and e-books use and the reasons why students prefer to use and not use of tablet computers and e-books. Students' study habits while using e-books were also examined. In the study, which was designed as an instrumental case study, the data was obtained from 100 open education faculty students through semi-structured interview forms by making calls over the phone. In the analysis of the data, content analysis method was used. Results showed that the majority of the students stated that they use tablet computers and prefer e-books while studying. The main reasons why they prefer e-books are that they can be carried easily and studied everywhere. Considering the students' learning habits on e-books, four study habits were emerged. Interestingly, most of them study on tablets and take notes on a separate sheet. Eye fatigue and difficulty to edit the e-books are the main reasons of the students who preferred printed materials.