Edutopia, a component of the George Lucas Education Foundation, offers an analysis of the textbook industry. The analysis mostly concerns the many factors that combine to create a bland, but marketable product. I guess I can say that I now qualify as an insider and am possibly part of the problem. Still, it is not all “our” fault. There is a fine line between being creative and being ignored because those who make purchasing decisions (the educators who adopt a textbook) are concerned that the perspective taken does not fit with standards, standardized tests, and the “standard line.” How does one cover the basics, offer unique ideas, and also meet budgetary expectations that place a cap on how many pages you can offer or students are willing to read?
Perhaps you do what you have to to keep your work (the book) in front of learners and then use the web to offer other material for those who are searching for something more.
