As an educator and as a writer and publisher, the decline of educational publishing is of great concern. Many school districts (and even entire provinces) have instructed teachers to move away from printed textbooks and workbooks in favour of using online teaching and learning resources. I find this tendency troubling for two reasons.
First, while cost-cutting is often presented as a justification for moving away from printed books and towards online materials, this is only true if the online materials are available for free on the internet. Sadly, free resources are rarely of high quality or well-aligned with curricular objectives. On the other hand, high quality publisher-produced online resources often end up being more expensive than printed books, because while a textbook, once purchased, can be used for a number of years, quality online learning resources generally require an annual subscription.
Second, I have observed a persistent preference for physical books over online resources on the part of students. When I taught at the college level, students could buy either a hard copy of their textbook or, for a discount, an electronic copy. They always plumped for the hard copy. When asked why, they told me they liked being able to highlight and underline the text in the physical textbook. Put simply, they preferred the tangible to the intangible.
Economics for Canadians, as a printed student textbook and workbook, serves students and schools on a number of levels. First, it is a high-quality resource that offers students an accessible and systematic introduction to the discipline. Second, despite being a printed resource, it is nonetheless very affordable. Lastly, as a workbook and textbook, students are encouraged to mark up the text and thereby make it their own.
So, if you are looking for a resource which meets the needs of teachers, students and administrators looking for a comprehensive, engaging and affordable introduction to economics, I encourage you consider adopting Economics for Canadians. If you have any questions, you are welcome to get in touch with me via email at bryceATcroecko.com.
All the best for a great 2017-2018 school year.
