Beyond the Page: Reinventing Textbooks for the Digital Student

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Matthew Barton and Jonathan Holiman, who didn’t just write a textbook—they reimagined what one could be. Their interactive online publication has captured the attention of students and faculty alike by breaking free from the conventional mold of academic reading.We dive into the vision behind their unique digital format and explore the challenges of engaging today’s students—many of whom are digital natives with evolving reading habits. The authors reveal the strategies they use to write content students actually want to read, from real-time testing and design thinking to deliberate rule-breaking in traditional textbook structure.Whether you're an educator frustrated by unread assigned readings or a fellow author curious about new approaches to digital content, this episode offers practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on how to meet students where they are—without lowering the bar.Introducing Communication: A Digital Learning Experience | Higher EducationJonathan Holiman | LinkedInMatt Barton | LinkedInBe sure to follow us below!Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-companyFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/Interested in publishing with us?Contact Jen Lewis at [email protected]