I’m happy to announce that Exprima Media (http://www.exprimamedia.com) has been working with several large textbook publishers to do just this. While quite reluctant at first, these publishers are now willing to experiment with new platforms, such as the iphone and ipad, which will undoubtedly speed affordable access to content-rich textbook information to students. This means more effective learning outcomes; without school walls, students are able to engage with peers of different ages too.
Exprima Media is releasing a suite of higher-ed textbook-based apps (the first ever) this fall for both Wiley and W.W. Norton and other major publishers.