Digital textbooks have long been a disrupter in the publishing industry. Starting with the higher education market, escalating prices have made new print textbooks increasingly unaffordable for students. Digital textbooks have also improved rapidly – providing short-term licenses at lower cost, with access online and off, and flexibility on a wide variety of devices. Transitioning to digital has been slower, however, for K-12 schools.

Palo Alto Research Group surveyed 3,194 schools about their use of digital materials and devices in Winter 2019/20. Survey data shows that schools are increasingly providing 1:1 device access to students, and larger schools are emphasizing digital textbooks for faster access to quality materials, easier distribution and administration, and increased flexibility for teachers and students.