The Future of Textbooks
I’ll admit – I’m not very excited about the new Apple iPad. However, there has been some talk about what the iPad will be able to do. For example, there are some new apps being created that just wouldn’t work on the iPhone or the iPod Touch.
The most interesting of these new innovations has to be the capability to act as an eReader. Don’t freak out yet, I know the Kindle and the other eReaders do it way better, but the iPad is a way to make the eReader popular. Think about this – No more Textbooks.
At Seton Hill University, they’ve done just that. Well not completely, but they are making a huge shift to provide students with e-books rather than college textbooks. To aid in this, free Apple iPads and 13″ Macbook Pros for all full-time students arriving in fall 2010.
The school aims to cultivate digital literacy among its students.
“[The students] can download textbooks from the iBook Store, take notes, communicate and share files with professors, advisers and classmates, conduct research and engage in interactive learning experiences.”
What does this mean for University students? I know many students feel that colleges are not utilizing technology effectively, but obviously some are. What I’d like to see is a college that gives an e-book option for every class offered. There is absolutely no need to have hard copies of books anymore unless you request it. This should be an option that all students can choose when they sign up for classes.
I understand that book companies and colleges have long, withstanding contracts and probably spend hours debating this very issue – but I want to see some change.
I want to see more Universities like Seton Hill who provide their students with electronics, teach them how to use them, and then offer on-site IT support when needed.
I guess the question here is: Do students really need free laptops? Will giving these kids laptops and iPads just promote unnecessary Facebook use and ill productivity? Is this a good thing? Let me know in the comments below.
[via: Mashable]
