Thinking about the issue of replacing textbooks with tablets (http://tablets-textbooks.procon.org/), I am really torn. I can see a lot of benefits, especially for keeping books up to date, helping students develop technological literacy by using tablets more and avoiding back problems, etc. However, due to the technological challenges of implementing it in public school classrooms, I don't know if it would be feasible. I think it could be done in small scale ways. For example, there is a school in Hall County (DaVinci Academy) where they have no textbooks and the students use laptops all day and have readings online. That seems to work alright in that school for a few reasons--1. They are not continuously using laptops all day, so batteries don't run down and they do not have to all charge at the same time. 2. It is a small school and therefore it was not impossible to make the technology accessible (most buy their own laptops, others are the result of donations given to the school for those who could not afford it otherwise). 3. It is a magnet school for primarily gifted students who typically are more mature and responsible and therefore do not use the technology to surf the web, etc.
I think the transition to tablets in college could work and might be cheaper than the cost of all the textbooks students buy throughout the 4+ years. Ultimately, I think tablets might work in some situations, but not all, and in some cases the risk/cost might outweigh the benefits (if they don't have internet at home or live in an area where the tablet would make children a target for thefts). I also think that in the first few years of elementary school, we should have students learning to read and write on traditional technology, in part because I am not sure what the effects of not learning in that format might be. Could students learn to read on tablets and write on paper or would the separation of those two skills cause problems?
Sounds like a great research question!
ReplyDeleteThe question at the end of your blog is very interesting. Since I grew up learning primarily from reading textbooks and writing on paper, I now find it difficult to read anything online. I have to print it out on paper to read and understand it. Your blog made me think that perhaps something similar could happen to these students.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Crystal's point about familiarity with different forms of reading (computer vs. hard copy book) and the problems that a lack of familiarity can cause when students are challenged to engage with different forms of traditional school materials. Additionally, Lisa, I wonder how your question applies to readings disseminated through tablets and exams that would have to be taken with pencil and paper. Is it just the skill separation that could be problematic, or also the assignments with which each skill set is applied?
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