Digital textbooks significantly boost students' intrinsic learning motivation

A comprehensive analysis of 27 studies involving 3,590 students has revealed that digital textbooks significantly enhance students' intrinsic learning motivation compared to traditional print textbooks. This meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, was conducted by researchers from The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and East China Normal University (ECNU).

The findings indicate that digital textbooks, with their accessibility, multimedia features, and interactive tools, effectively meet students' core psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, leading to deeper engagement and a better understanding of learning materials. The study also found that the effects of digital textbooks are more pronounced in higher educational levels, particularly among university students, and are more impactful in collectivist cultural contexts than in individualist ones.

The research highlights the need for quality standards, professional development for teachers, and equity safeguards in funding policies to ensure the effective integration of digital textbooks into educational settings. Professor Lei Hao of ECNU emphasized the strategic importance of this integration, stating that it enhances students' inner drive to explore and master knowledge, fostering lifelong learning in the 21st century.