Implementation of electronic textbooks in secondary schools: What teachers need

Abstract

E-textbooks are gaining momentum in the education systems and are used for teaching and learning. Teachers are often reluctant to accept and use these technologies in the classroom, despite the numerous advantages thereof. In environments where the use of e-textbooks are mandatory, such reluctance often manifests as using the software in a superficial way and job dissatisfaction. The objective of this study is to determine the needs of teachers when implementing e-textbooks. An interpretive case study was conducted at a secondary school in South Africa. ‘Interviews were conducted with 14 teachers. The findings were used to enhance an existing ‘needs of using e-textbooks perception scale’. Apart from the usability and functionality features of e-textbooks, this study highlights the need of teachers for 1) adequate and timely training, 2) having no learners in their classrooms without a tablet or mobile device, 3) the ability to choose the textbooks themselves, and 4) the need to communicate their requests regarding the software and functionalities with the service provider.