Pearson to Lower Cost of E-Books, Textbooks

Publishing giant Pearson Education Wednesday announced it would reduce the prices of its e-book rentals for more than 2,000 titles, providing students with savings of up to 50 percent on most of those titles later this month. Additionally, the company will introduce a new pilot program for print textbook rentals, which also promises costs savings on 50 of the most popular print textbook titles.

“Students have been clear in telling us they want more choices when selecting course materials,” said Tim Bozik, president of global product, in a news release. “We understand that many students are stretched financially and that college is a significant investment for them. Pearson has long been developing new ways to make college more affordable and more accessible.”

According a recent survey from CampusBooks, more than half of college students (55 percent of those surveyed) rent textbooks. Furthermore, the survey found that majority (66 percent) of students have opted out of purchasing a textbook due to the cost, which can deter them from taking a course. 

Over the last year alone, Pearson has worked to reduce the cost of course materials for students. Through its Digital Direct Access model, for example, course materials are delivered directly to students on the first day of class, ensuring students are prepared. The model offers e-textbooks, online homework, tutorial and assessment products “up to 60 percent less than traditional print materials,” according to a company statement. In addition, Pearson in 2014 introduced Revel, a $65 online platform equipped with digital text and learning tools that can enliven course content with interactive media and assessments.

“Students and faculty both want materials that are flexible and compatible with laptops and mobile devices,” Bozik said in a statement. “It’s time to provide course materials that are both affordable and in-sync with how faculty and students teach and learn today.”

Further information is available on the Pearson site.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • cloud, database stack, computer screen, binary code, and flowcharts interconnected by lines and arrows

    Salesforce to Acquire Data Management Firm Informatica

    Salesforce has announced plans to acquire data management company Informatica for $8 billion. The deal is aimed at strengthening Salesforce's AI foundation and expanding its enterprise data capabilities.

  • student reading a book with a brain, a protective hand, a computer monitor showing education icons, gears, and leaves

    4 Steps to Responsible AI Implementation

    Researchers at the University of Kansas Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning (CIDDL) have published a new framework for the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence at all levels of education.

  • teenager’s study desk with a laptop displaying an AI symbol, surrounded by books, headphones, a notebook, and a cup of colorful pencils

    Survey: Student AI Use on the Rise

    Ninety-three percent of students across the United States have used AI at least once or twice for school-related purposes, according to the latest AI in Education report from Microsoft.

  • consumer electronic devices—laptop, tablet, smartphone, and smart speaker—on a wooden surface with glowing AI icons hovering above

    OpenAI to Acquire Io, Plans Consumer AI Hardware Push

    OpenAI has announced plans to acquire io, an artificial intelligence hardware startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. The deal is aimed at creating a dedicated division for the development of AI-powered consumer devices.