Retention and exam performance based on print book and e-Book study at universities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The mode of reading plays a vital role in signifying the relationship between reading (getting the information) and remembering, which, in the end, transforms into professional skills formation. We looked at the assessment of the study's success in using different sources of the specialty study information (print and e-Books). The research was based on the analysis of students’ exam success in their bachelor's degree. The sampling frame was defined within the undergraduate student population with a simple random sampling method. An online-based survey questionnaire was performed and the data collected and examined. The findings showed a significantly higher level of success in exam performance and retention among students who utilized print books instead of e-Books as a primary mode of reading. It was noted that eye strain becomes a negative factor in using e-Books and adversely affects the reading time of the students. The usage of e-Books should not be promoted without a further conscious understanding of their pros and cons. We present a local assessment of the efficacy of using e-books in the higher education process by analysing student exam performance in Sri Lanka when using print books and e-books. It was concluded that prioritizing and promoting print book usage among universities and libraries improved academic results among under-graduates and that print book usage shows students are better able to comprehend data when compared to e-book usage.