Should schools purchase eBooks rather than textbooks?

1. The e-book Takeover A new revolution in education. By Kelli Tanzi

2. Have you ever used one of these?

3. I have…. I LOVE it!!

4. All that you would ever need at the touch of your finger. Instant downloads. Hundreds of thousands of titles and counting. Internet access from just about anywhere to make it simple to get a book now. Most titles sold for a fraction of the cost. Includes multiple functions like text-to-speech, instant dictionary for highlighted words and note taking within a text. Perfect if you love to read for pleasure! Readers like iPads are coming out with more and more apps that are as useful as they are fun.

5. What more could you ask for?

6. Now imagine one in the hands of your students. What would that look like? Could it really be done?

7. Why? Times are changing and the schools of the future must go with them. As much as we love to cling to the familiar, we must step out of our comfort zones to embrace what the children of today see as a normal part of their lives. I feel student engagement would be much higher if we were ‘speaking their language’.

8. Pros All students textbooks are found in one place. Fiction and non-fiction texts could also be downloaded. Textbooks could be updated on a more frequent basis. No more waiting for the 7 year cycle. Saves on students’ backs. Lugging around heavy backpacks would be a thing of the past. Environmentally friendly No warehousing costs for outdated material. Extra material comes with the lessons to enhance teachers planning and delivery of a topic. The cost in the long run could be significantly less. Other features, such as apps, could help students in all areas.

9. Cons All student’s books are in one place. If they lose one, they lose them all. Start up cost would be significant and may not work with district funding if on a cycle. Cost of replacing broken or lost eBook readers could add up. Teacher would need to administer and manage the eBook readers. Some readers, such as the iPad, have other features that may distract the students. Extensive training may be necessary to make sure they are being used to full potential.

10. Click below to see Chris Pirillo, a self-proclaimed geek and software junkie, discussing the use of iPads in schools with a caller on his internet conversation. (approx 7 min.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNiSMyHLlqo

11. What I have learned Our students are digital natives. Many have been using the most current technology since the were small. My own 3 year old daughter has a few favorite websites and she can maneuver within each site fairly well. I imagine that using the boring old approach with her will be difficult. Embracing the latest technology is scary for some. It is expensive and, to digital immigrants, does not seem to be worth the price of the hassle. But we are not teaching digital immigrants. And if we are not careful, we just might have a revolt on our hands!

12. References Amy Poftak. (2001, April). Getting a read on E-books. Technology & Learning, 21(9), 22-36. Retrieved June 3, 2010, from ProQuest Computing. (Document ID: 71409063). Anonymous, . (2009, August). Textbook Deathwatch. Tech & Learning, 30(1), 26,28-29. Retrieved June 3, 2010, from ProQuest Computing. (Document ID: 1829905431). Pirillo, C. (2010, April 16). Is the iPad Good for School and Textbooks? [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNiSMyHLlqo