Question 6- Reinventing the Page: E-Textbooks

Considering the question posed this week, I endeavoured to research the latest/upcoming technologies for e-books and tablets. Since I do not own my own tablet or have any experience with these devices, the internet was the best way to find an example for this week’s topic. Ideally I would wish to be able to engage with these machines, however familiarizing myself with the most recent news shall suffice.

One of the first articles and promotions that I came across was for the new iBooks textbooks. On the Apple website they express that these new electronic formats will transform or reinvent the textbook. This new technology for the iPad will create an immersive experience that students “won’t want to put down.” They will be able to do more than just read; they can interact as they learn. In particular, diagrams, photos, and videos will cause the book to become more stimulating. Students may also highlight text, take notes and share content to classmates seamlessly.  

Interactivity with diagrams and videos

Highlighting, taking notes and sharing

As a whole, this new technology is an interesting concept, since it changes the dynamic of studying and education. No longer will textbooks be so stagnant and unattractive, they shall provide diverse modes of learning with participation. Videos and movable diagrams can communicate ideas and theories in a shorter space than words. The standard page of a textbook has been altered. 

This new idea is more of a novel experiment that is developing; it has not truly been tested yet. The technology is only just coming to the surface as an educational tool. Undoubtedly, the devices that are required to utilize these e-textbooks are expensive. The cost of both purchasing the digital format of a textbook plus the iPad itself will play a factor in the success of the product. While computerization and new technologies are exciting and innovative, only a small demographic of students will be able to afford such extravagant learning instruments.

Furthermore, while it may be harsh to say, these e-textbooks reflect the new generation’s reliance and dependence on technology. Moving forward, it becomes increasingly apparent that younger people have developed short attention spans and continually require more motivation. These new textbooks are intriguing and may certainly be beneficial learning tools; however one can also argue that all this interactivity will soon become distracting. Diagrams and videos can be convenient, yet developers should be wise not to take away too much from the traditional approaches. Reading words can be one of the most fulfilling ways to learn. It is a practice that has worked well for millennia. Overall, it shall be fascinating to see how these electronic textbooks play out.