What do you think about replacing text books in schools with ipads?

1. 65

   lupineposted 12 years ago

   What do you think about replacing text books in schools with ipads?
   
   I heard on the news recently, a local middle school will replace most text books by issuing ipads to students. At the end of the year they will have to option to purchase it at a discount.

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2. 60

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   No the expense would be horrendous and with the loss and destruction alone that happens to kids "books" - we'd all go broke supporting it.

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3. 60

   mkeithposted 12 years ago

   I firmly believe this is the future.  In fact a year ago a friend of mine and I were discussing the real costs of putting together a demo product.
   
   Ipad's are ridiculous.  It will be a low-cost android os with a durable casing.  Wifi connection, and bluetooth.  Capacitive touch screen with durable rubberized plastic liner cover to protect it.  Connection to online media library at the school, no more huge costs for textbooks ( instead pay the publisher for multi-reader e-book licenses) and no more lost library books, or late books (drm to auto check-in on time).  So many possibilities.
   
   No option to buy, but there will have to be a buy-out cost for losing / destroying them. (GPS tracking for easy locating)

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4. 61

   MojoDawgposted 12 years ago

   I think it will happen no matter what, but it seems a shame not to be able to touch and feel the authors emotions like reading a good book.

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5. 60

   THEHuG5posted 12 years ago

   I think it's a great idea. It saves student from having to lug heavy textbooks around, and having to deal with paper books that are falling apart. It's cheaper in the long run and it's better for the environment. I bet that within the next 20 years most, if not ALL  schools will be the same way.

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6. 41

   leenamarthaposted 12 years ago

   I think, it would be best because mostly children avoid there books generally, but after this they will be very attractive to their study with ipads.

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7. 60

   Ana Teixeiraposted 12 years ago

   I am absolutely against it. I posted a Hub precisely about the impact of technology in children. As a teacher, i believe replacing books with Ipads is the fastest way of making our children forget education all together. Let me ask you this: Do you think in recess those kids will still be going outside to play? OR, will they stay inside to play with the new ipad and stop developing social skills? Technology is already killing creativity in children.. Tech is good.. but we can't allow children to become tech addicts so early in their lives and then complain when they can't even write with a pen anymore.

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8. 65

   lupineposted 12 years ago

   Ana Teixeira - I do agree with you, kids creativity has been taken away by public schools, such as doing plays, singing, art...now actual book reading? I feel sorry for the kids growing up today. Kids are very smart and could be introduced to technology in the upper grades. As for your concern about recess, yes, kids are not getting enough exercise today, because they are inside playing video games. We here about it all the time.

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9. 86

   DzyMsLizzyposted 12 years ago

   BAD idea!  Very bad idea, indeed!  Kids already do not read enough; we are already far too dependent upon electronic gizmos and devices.  A single EMF pulse could wipe out all the electronics in the school.  Physical books are not subject to damaging electronic surges.
   Then, there is the matter of batteries that constantly need recharging, and eventually, replacing. Then, disposal becomes a problem--we are already seeing specialized "e-waste" collection sites because of the assorted hazardous materials found in our modern electronics.
   I say, simplify, and do not further encourage such total dependence upon electronic gadgets.

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10. 95

    Daughter Of Maatposted 12 years ago

    I think it's a wonderful idea. Kids won't have to carry as much in backpacks which will help prevent back and neck problems in the future. Not to mention ipads will encourage kids to want to learn. It's easier to make learning fun and interactive with any computing device, not just ipads. Kids will be more likely to actually complete reading assignments, and finish homework. Plus it's environmentally friendly since there is much less paper. The only con to ipads, is if we ever lose electricity, there would be no access to reference materials store on the device once the charge runs out.

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11. 59

    Marturionposted 12 years ago

    We need to remember that this is an experimental program, designed to learn what the ultimate outcome of placing higher technology in the hands of kids.  It could easily go either way -- Which is the point.  the greatest achievements in education reform and advancements have occurred through these types of experiments.  I say, let's keep an eye on the result and act accordingly.

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12. 0

    Billie Paglioloposted 12 years ago

    Replacing textbook in schools with ipads is AMAZING, WONDERFUL!  The interactivity will be amazing.  In fourth grade, we had a science book with the solar system.  I remember raising my hand, standing on the left side of the desk as we were required to do when asking a question, and telling Sister Mary Anne Margaret, that I could understand the picture because the Earth was "on top" and the the Sun was "beneath" it and another planet "below" that. The nun I admired so much was at a loss as to how to explain this to me, and I was frustrated and disappointed. Children will be able to click on an image that will show the solar system in 3 dimensions.  History classes will have actual clips of newsreels when studying World War II or Vietnam.  Right now, I'm trying to get my narrated ebook, "Lucky, the Left Pawed Puppy" converted to the narrated version for the smart phones.  Why?  Because my little four year old neighbor listens to, interacts, and reads all her little stories on her little Blackberry.  It's an exciting new world.

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