Proposal Evaluation Blog 7

I chose to evaluate the proposal made by President Michael Crow to make text books electronically accesible for students. Michael Crow proposes that Arizona State University should make textbooks available for students on their electronic devices such as their Ipads, Kindles, and laptop computers. His argument is that with electronic devices, books would be much more affordable for students as compared to current prices for hardback covered books which cost students hundreds of dollars. Also he argues that concerning how advanced technology is becoming and how other colleges are including these technologies for their students. I personally agree with Michael Crow's proposal and believe it is an excellent idea. For one it would make texts much more accessible for students without the issue of long lines in bookstores or having to worry about having enough copies for all the students. Als Michael crow makes a good point that it would be helpful for ASU if it wants to start going green since students won't be wasting their books and trees (it seems like a cliché but it's true). One other point that Crow makes is that the University wants to be much more advanced and respected and having access to more technologies would put ASU ahead of the game especially if all students were offered necessary technologies. Michael Crow does well at addressing issues with his argument and any opposing views concerning his idea. One possible other problem could be students that work at the bookstore that fear they could lose their jobs. If too many people switched over to electronic readings they may eventually not need a bookstore. This may be a bit far-fetched but it could be opposition that needs to be met at some point. Possibly if this did become an issue the bookstore could be substituted as a help service center or distributor of different devices students would use. Overall it is apparent to anyone reading this argument that Crow did his research and carefully considered both ends of his argument. Possibly conducting a poll or even if possible a census of students to find out who believes that all books should be available digitally or not digitally available so that he could have some actual data to present. Also the school could do a social experiment and see whether students with online books or without did better in their respective classes. Some logical data would definitely help to solidify his argument even with how good it already is. Despite any other strategies he did not include, I would consider his argument to be very strong and valid.