The digital textbooks produced by Edita have the same text and image content as their printed counterparts, but the digital format offers students additional features and enriched content: text and images can be zoomed in and out, the text is searchable, definitions of terms can be displayed by clicking on the word, the text can be highlighted and annotated, and the digital textbook can also include video clips and links to external content.

Edita’s digital textbooks have the same page numbering as the printed versions, allowing them to be used in parallel with each other. The solution is device independent: the digital textbooks can be accessed via popular browser software both on computers and tablet devices.

“The need for digital learning materials grew substantially after the decision in Finland to implement digital matriculation examinations starting in autumn 2016,” says Publishing Manager Hanna Sokratous.

The benefits of the digital book will be increasingly highlighted as the use of digital solutions in schools becomes more commonplace. Students will no longer need to carry books with them, and digital books are cheaper to purchase than printed books. Students can also customize and personalize their textbooks. With personal user accounts, they can access their notes and highlights regardless of what device they use.

For teachers, the digital textbook provides the opportunity to link online content to learning materials. Teachers can also access a variety of additional materials to support teaching by using their instructor’s accounts. Digital learning materials help both teachers and students take advantage of information and communications technology.

In the future, additional features can be added to digital learning materials, such as interactive and gamified content, as well as learning analytics. Producing various additional and special materials and integrating different school subjects will also be possible.

Sokratous says the digital book is a good alternative to the printed book. “We believe that the role of versatility will be highlighted in learning, and digital learning materials support this development,” she says.

Edita Publishing will expand its selection of digital textbooks in the 2013–2014 school year. In addition to history and social sciences for upper secondary schools, digital textbooks will be published for religious studies, psychology and health education.