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A lot of the responses here are along the lines of "this is a horrible idea because of the current state of the ebook industry."
Don't worry: It will get better.
I wouldn't suggest that we're ready to abandon print texts for ebooks in schools yet, though we are ready to begin the process. One thing that's sorely lacking is the equivalent e-versions of the print texts being used now, but that will change. Some schools are giving new students iPads, laptops or other electronic devices; and many students already have devices. We can use format standardization, but that's a need for the entire ebook industry, not just for education.
Oh... and e-texts can be backed up. How often do you copy and store away copies of printed texts?
So, there's no reason to expect that that schools can't eventually move all students (and faculty) to a digital-based text system.
One other thing: The example mentioned in the article, suggesting students surrender all print material, is quite obviously extremist. No need to get bent out of shape over an exaggerated scenario.
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