Final answer:
James W. Loewen was surprised that despite technological advances, textbooks are still expanding in size. He suggests expanding the selection of textbooks investigated in studies to include both popular and less popular ones, reflecting actual student use more accurately. The endurance of textbooks alongside technological growth highlights the need for educational resources that adapt to new learning habits and the digital era.
Step-by-step explanation:
James W. Loewen, the author of 'Lies My Teacher Told Me,' expressed surprise that despite the advent of technological innovations, textbooks, specifically history textbooks, are still expanding in size. In the realm of education, students often find themselves using textbooks as a primary source of information. However, Loewen suggests that an effective way to evaluate the inclusivity and representativeness of textbooks would be by expanding the selection of textbooks he investigates within each subject, ensuring a mix of the most popular and less popular textbooks. This expansion can provide a more accurate reflection of the material students are actually using.
Loewen's concern may stem from the fact that while the most popular textbooks might quickly go out of stock due to high demand, it does not necessarily mean that college students use them as the primary text. This discrepancy indicates a potential gap in understanding how students interact with educational materials, particularly textbooks that may not be as sought-after or well-known. The dynamic nature of technology and its integration with educational tools is exemplified by emerging resources such as LibreTexts™, which offer electronic textbooks and a wealth of academic resources online.
The persistence of textbooks in physical form, despite predictions by figures such as Steven Hawking about the increasing density of human population and technological advancements, is indicative of the enduring value of traditional educational methods. However, the integration of technology in education is changing how materials are produced and used, with e-books and online resources transforming the industry. This evolution impacts how students learn, with images and multimedia elements being increasingly important, yet potentially distracting when overused. Loewen's observations encourage educators to consider how textbooks can be optimized to better suit students' learning habits and the technological landscape.