Re: [Phys-l] Electronic Textbooks & MasteringPhysics

[Patricia T Viele <ptv1@cornell.edu>]

 The Internet Archive offers an advanced search feature that allows you to limit your search for digitized texts by many factors.
http://www.archive.org/

A subject search on physics in open library finds 7,237 digitized books.  They are listed by subject matter, for example:  solid state physics, cloud physics, physics in fiction, plasma physics.
http://openlibrary.org/search/subjects?q=physics&search=

The e-books directory offers quite a few books in the sciences.
http://www.e-booksdirectory.com/

This is not a complete list, by any means.  No, I have not investigated each title.  My purpose is to bring to your attention some sources for electronic books.  My hope is that some of you will find some of  them useful.  One word of caution.  It can be a little frustrating searching these collections.  Not all of the items digitized are available for free in their entirety. At the very least, one has access to a complete citation and an abstract.

Pat Viele, physics & astronomy librarian, retired
________________________________________
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Anthony Lapinski [Anthony_Lapinski@pds.org]
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 8:36 PM
To: phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Electronic Textbooks & MasteringPhysics

I, too, am considering an online textbook/tutorial instead of a paper one.
Better for the environment, less to carry, and cheaper. I really want it
only as a reference as I give my own class notes and math problems to the
students. So a book would only be needed for students who need to review
or want more to understand what I cover in class.

I teach in the high school, both regular and honors physics. So I am
looking for two levels of supplemental materials online. Currently I use
Hewitt (regular) and Cutnell/Johnson (honors).


Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
> I have the possibility to switch to electronic textbooks and more online
> assignments (Specifically the "Mastering" package from Pearson).  I was
> wondering what experience others have had with these.
>
> I teach at a community college with a small enrollment in physics
> (typically 6-12 in both calc-based and non-calc-based).   The "Mastering"
> package seems like a valuable system, especially for reading quizzes and
> practice problems.
>
> The electronic text I am less sure about.  The electronic text is
> considerably cheaper, but they only have access for 2 years, I believe.
> Perhaps I am too old-school and prefer holding a book in my hands.  Do
> students learn better or worse from an electronic version?  Obviously
> they can only work where they have access to a computer, which could
> occasionally be a problem.  We do have 8 computers around the classroom,
> so they could at least share copies during class if we need (or I can
> project it onto a screen).
>
>
>
> Anyway, what have you all learned when using such systems?  any words of
> wisdom if  I try this?
>
> Tim Folkerts
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l


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