Writing Prompts

Directions: Type your responses to the items below.

1		What changes do you think e-book textbooks would make for college students? Would you choose to use e-book textbooks if they were available to you now?
2		What would be your response to going to a bookstore, paying for a book, and then waiting 15 minutes while it is printed on the spot? How would you feel about reading a book on a small screen rather than from printed pages? Would either of these experiences appeal to you? Why or why not?
3		Based on information in the selection, what features do you think "books" of the future might have?

To the Web

Consult one or more of the following websites that pertain to the topic of the reading selection. Then answer the questions based on information obtained from the websites.

http://xtramsn.co.nz/technology/0,,7002-2666141,00.html

This selection is entitled, "Future of Digital Books with Babies, Boomers."

4		How many e-books were sold in the U.S. in 2002? How many printed books were sold in the U.S. that same year?
5		With whom are digital books already popular? Which two groups of people does the author think are likely to become users of digital books? Why does he view each of those groups as likely e-book users?
6		At this time, what is limiting the success of digital books?
7		What does the author see as the long-term future of e-books?

http://www.capitalizingonchange.org/russel/russel3frame.htm

This selection is entitled, "Digital Books Will Change Everything Forever."

8		In what ways does the author think "digital books change everything forever"? Describe at least three of the ways he mentions.
9		Do you agree with the author's opinions? Pick two of them and explain why you do or do not agree with them.