Matthew Walters

March 2, 2016
Ms. Morton
UWRT 1103-066
Inquiry Topic Proposal
Looking back through previous discussions and readings, the one topic that truly spoke to
was technology and its use among children. More specifically, I was intrigued by the use of
technology in schools and education. Through my experience in school, repeatedly I found
various institutions transitioning from physical textbooks and materials towards electronic books
and online sources. Drawing on this interst, my focus would be on whether or not the movement
towards e-sources is truly beneficial both on an educational level.
My research would take on a number of approaches. To start, I wish to look at which
form of textbooks students prefer. Furthermore, I would dive deeper into the topic and look at
which form of book students study better with since each offer their own benefits. Looking at the
financial aspect of the topic, I want to analyze the cost of the transition for the various
institutions versus the benefits that could be brought to the professors. Finally, I want to examine
the cost of e-textbooks versus physical textbooks and see if the potential benefits outweigh the
costs.
I envision my research hitting a number of roadblocks and difficulties. Because this
whole idea of transitioning to more electronic resources is more of a newer concept, to find
evidence of its effects in schools will be few and far between. Also, with the evidence being so

scarce, the full effect of its implementation may not be apparent yet so I feel many of the sources
I will find will be more opinion based then factual. I have a hunch that a large portion of the
points will make will have to be logically drawn from connections amongst multiple sources.
With enough research through the library and online sources and proper use of given resources, I
am confident that there will have to be a lot of information present and I be able to sift out the
opinions, find solid facts and draw logical conclusions from them.