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.
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| Interactivity with diagrams and videos |
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| Highlighting, taking notes and sharing |
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.
Just a quick note to add to your post, Patrick: I wholeheartedly agree with the suggestion that "older" forms of learning have their benefits. In addition to just reading words, though, I would include actual writing, with a pen (or pencil) and paper as one of the most important learning techniques. I've heard it many times anecdotally, and I believe there is research (though don't quote me on it) that shows that we internalize and remember things better if we write them down. And, perhaps even more importantly, we actually make meaning from what we read when we write it down. This works to a certain extend with digital note-taking, but I believe there is a benefit to "real" writing that digital writing can't match.
ReplyDeleteIt also reminds me of what Andrew Steeves was saying regarding the difference between glossy textbook paper and matte paper with indented letters...
Yes, Polina that is exactly what I was trying to get at! Though, I did not quite expand it as well as you. I agree, while almost old-fashioned nowadays, the paper and pen/pencil approach is still a great way to absorb information. You feel a closer connection to the work if you are the one creating the letters. I myself prefer pencil, just for the pure fact that it provides a solid friction and steadiness; it is less distracting and reveals details that may be overlooked in other writing methods. Admittedly I’m not very great with new technologies, and that might be the main reason that I may codgerly attest to the “old” forms. Nevertheless, traditional approaches are becoming under-appreciated, which is a shame.
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