E-Curriculum vs. Textbooks

[Holden21]

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One of the main differences to me, between Temple and UMDNJ is that Temple uses textbooks and UMDNJ uses E-Curriculum (viewbook) learning. Does anyone have an opinion out there as to which is better since I am trying to decide between these two schools?

 

[superman]

One of the main differences to me, between Temple and UMDNJ is that Temple uses textbooks and UMDNJ uses E-Curriculum (viewbook) learning. Does anyone have an opinion out there as to which is better since I am trying to decide between these two schools?

My BU interviewer told me that most students at his school choose the regular textbooks over the E-curriculum. A couple reasons may be because if you choose the electronic option you'll probably end up printing your material (wastes paper and ink!) and regular textbooks may be more reliable than relying on electronics/computers (what if your computer crashes the night before an exam or an important study period and you have to access all of your material through a DVD or the 'NET? you may be able to rent another one out, but i think it'd be a big hassle).

I'd personally prefer the regular textbooks.

 

[superman]

Oh yeah, just like at BU, maybe UMDNJ will allow you to choose between textbooks and the E-curriculum?

I don't think there is a choice at Temple- I think Temple only offers textbooks- somone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Oh yeah, just like at BU, maybe UMDNJ will allow you to choose between textbooks and the E-curriculum?

I don't think there is a choice at Temple- I think Temple only offers textbooks- somone correct me if I'm wrong.

yah..Temple is just like undergrad where u get a booklist! And its GREAT! Not only am I used to learning from books, but the profs put all their lectures on the net, so you get a good combination of both.

Another advantage of having a textbook list....You can find out from upperclassmen which books to buy and which to not....I only bought a few essential books this semester and I only paid around $200. ANd next semester, I just have to buy two more books, for my entire freshmen year, Im looking at spending only around $350-400 for books which is pretty reasonable for a year of classes!

Also, you can shop online to get the best prices....amazon always has the best prices compared to Temple's overpriced bookstore...

 

[unlvdmd]

Vitalsource is great. It makes case studies so easy! I love using the DVD. It is sooo nice. As far as it breaking down, I wouldn't have that be my deciding factor. It hasn't happened that I have heard of, altough I am sure it has somewhere.

 

[ItsGavinC]

For a contrast of opinion, I absolutely hate Vitalsource. It's a huge waste of money.

The technology itself is fair, but it isn't as fine-tuned as I want it and I rarely open my books, yet I'm weaseled into paying the fee for the entire 4 years, regardless of whether or not I open the books, or even WANT certain books. I have no choice, so I just chalk it up to another miscellaneous lab item fee.

 

[kato999]

vital source is horrible. its way too expensive. we are paying over 3000 a year for the library and for some of the other software that we don't use.

i wish we had the option to purchase it if we wanted to here at az but we don't. we have to purchase the software. vital source has nice features that books do not have such as a search function and having all the books in a relatively portable laptop. however, IMO it is not even worth a fraction of what they are charging us. plus, you can not sell the books once your done with them.

as you can see, the opinion of e-curriculum depends on who you are talking to..

 

[rocknightmare]

i didn't realize how e-curriculum can be a rip off.

so after 1 year your books expire?

i hate companies