Reply #3: Some of the problem [View All]

is that publishers bundle packages that benefit the profs more than the students. They have great programs that appeal to profs because they come with a multitude of tools. Anything web-based is going to run the cost to the student up significantly. For example a professor can use web-based tools to generate a class based on the isbn number of a text. The software creates the class based on pre-loaded materials such as homework and test generators. It tracks who registers for the class and automatically updates the gradebook from the assignments and tests submitted online. That's just a basic package. In order for it to work, the publisher bundles access codes with the textbooks that give the student access to the website. Unfortunately those codes usually only work once and a student purchasing a used textbook can't access the online material. So instead of saving money, they end up having to purchase the access separately. Add to that the cost of technical and customer support for both the professors and the students. Many times students are unaware of a lot of costs that pop up like this.

Profit trumping education.