As if there wasn't enough services that have a + in their names, here's another: Pearson+, the wannabe Netflix of college textbooks.AdvertisementPearson+ was recently launched by Pearson. This app is available on both desktop and mobile. It offers digital textbooks from Pearson's catalog via a two-tiered subscription model. Students can access one Pearson textbook for $9.99 per month, while students who subscribe to the $14.99 multi-tier will have access to over 1,500 textbooks. According to the company, Pearson+ will offer students the most cost-friendly and flexible way to access digital textbooks as well as study tools. The app will be available on U.S. campuses starting in the fall.This offer is quite attractive when compared to the current prices of print textbooks at Pearsons. These include a laboratory manual for $63.99, and an engineering textbook for $181.32. There are many other prices available.Andy Bird, Pearson CEO, stated that students clearly prefer digital learning tools such as Pearson+ because they are convenient and affordable. Pearson+ is reimagining student learning and building relationships with students. This will enable us to keep improving the product with the features they want.Bird stated that the company wants students spend less time worrying about purchasing their books and more on enjoying college. Pearson+ subscribers will receive digital textbooks in addition to a bundle of study tools. These include audio books, enhanced search features and customizable flashcards. You can also change the background and fonts of the books.While all this sounds great, let's not forget the main message: Pearson+ gives you unlimited or single access to Pearsons entire book catalog. This may sound very appealing, but the Financial Times points to the fact that many students are given textbooks from different publishers.Another problem could arise: professors may be pressured to select textbooks that are not the best for their class.Perhaps the access agreement or the pressure from students who have subscriptions means that faculty feel compelled to choose a textbook that isn't necessarily the best, Eddie Watson, associate vice-president for curricular and didactical innovation at the Association of American Colleges and Universities told the Times. It could mean that other options are not available or more affordable.
