As we enter into the “age” of digital textbooks in RUSD, I am sure that several are asking the question – in an era of budget cuts and a clear lack of adequate funding, HOW can we buy digital textbooks, etc. to make this work? Great question! In the current situation, the digital textbooks are being provided by the State of California (that is the texts are free). While there is currently no cost to these digital texts, it is likely that there will be cost over time – in a coming adoption cycle. However, costs even then are likely to be VERY much reduced as there is no paper or printing involved. The other costs associated with this matter are the equipment needs to utilize the digital texts. Currently, we have a great deal of infrastructure in place, as well as Smart Riverside has provided community development to reduce digital divide issues. Additionally, we are able to utilize a small portion of our Instructional Material funds (which is provided for the purchase of textbooks) due to flexibility that has been provided by the State of California. Bottom line, we are NOT taking money from our general program operations accounts.
While there is essentially little or no expense at this time, even in the long-term we are likely to have MUCH reduced costs with this option. I believe that everyone wins with this digital option.
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