To E-textbook or not to E-textbook? A quantitative analysis of the extent of the use of E-textbooks at Ajman University from students’ perspectives

In an age of globalization and rapid technological development, the United Arab Emirates is committed to merging technology into all higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to identify the degree to which e-textbooks are used at Ajman University, from students’ perspectives. The study was conducted using a descriptive research model, and a 30-item questionnaire was designed to be used as a data collection tool. After its validity was verified, the questionnaire was administered to 880 participants that were recruited from a variety of colleges during the first academic semester of 2017/2018. SPSS was used to analyze the data. The study findings reveal that students at Ajman University use e-textbooks at their university to a high degree. The analysis results also showed that the degree of use varied according to gender (with females being more likely to use them), college type (with Dentistry College students being most likely), and finally according to year of study (with those in their fifth academic year being most likely). The study recommends further research on the application and use of e-textbooks in higher education institutions.