Answer:
If the publisher sold only digital textbooks, it would likely be able to raise the price to the original level of printed textbooks. However, whether or not students would be better off is a more complex question.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the publisher sold only digital textbooks, it would likely be able to raise the price to the original level of printed textbooks. However, whether or not students would be better off is a more complex question.
On the one hand, digital textbooks have a number of advantages over printed textbooks. They are more portable, easier to search, and can be updated more frequently. They can also be more affordable, as publishers do not have to incur the costs of printing and shipping physical books.
On the other hand, digital textbooks also have a number of disadvantages. They can be more difficult to read for long periods of time, and they can be more distracting, as students may be tempted to browse the internet or check social media while they are trying to study. Additionally, digital textbooks can be more difficult to resell, which can add to the cost of education for students.
Overall, whether or not students would be better off if publishers sold only digital textbooks depends on a number of factors, including the individual student's learning style, the cost of digital textbooks, and the availability of affordable alternatives.
Here is a more detailed comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of digital textbooks:
Advantages
More portable and easier to carry
Easier to search and navigate
Can be updated more frequently
Can be more affordable, as publishers do not have to incur the costs of printing and shipping physical books
Disadvantages
Can be more difficult to read for long periods of time
Can be more distracting
Can be more difficult to resell
It is important to note that the digital textbook market is still relatively new, and the prices of digital textbooks are likely to come down over time. Additionally, there are a number of alternative sources of digital textbooks, such as open educational resources (OERs), which are free or low-cost textbooks that are available online.