The purpose of this paper is to outline a hierarchical model for developing essential e-textbook functionality and to offer important insight for e-textbook designers.
Guided by the SAMR model, five hierarchical functional layers are proposed in the development process for e-textbook to enable more effective and efficient teaching and learning.
Moving up from the substitution to transformation level, each layer extends the functionality of the underlying layers to unveil new features that support the learning processes and gradually transform e-textbooks from a self-directed informal learning tool to become a formal learning platform.
The hierarchical model provides e-textbook designers and developers with a guideline on how to surpass the present state of e-textbooks and offer additional value-added features for learners. The required technologies for each layer are also discussed.
