Georgia State Sen. Suggests iPads Could Replace Textbooks In Schools

[RandySF]

Senate President pro tem of the Georgia State Senate Tommie Williams (R) told reporters this week that he and other state officials were considering a deal with Apple to swap textbook for iPads in George classrooms.

"Last week we met with Apple Computers, and they have a really promising program where they come in and their recommending to middle schools - for $500 per child per year, they will furnish every child with an iPad, wi-fi the system, provide all the books on the system, all the upgrades, all the teacher training - and the results they're getting from these kids is phenomenal," Williams said, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Williams suggested such a deal could be a money-saver, and would respond to students' increased engagement with technology.


http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/georgia-state-sen-suggests-ipads-could-replace-textbooks-in-schools.php

[MrModerate]

1. Many problems, much promise . . .

People have been imagining students carrying around "school slates" for a very long time. I'm far from sure that the iPad is the right device, but it's quite likely a path to the right device.

[blogslut]

9. I agree

I would much rather see some open source hardware device be used and I prefer solar-powered e-readers. Especially in the grade school environment, a backpack full of books isn't just environmentally wasteful but downright backbreaking.

As well, I'd like to see the greedy and corrupted textbook industry forced to become responsible, affordable stewards of our children's education.

[hyphenate]

60. The main problem I have

is how certain subjects will continue to be manipulated by those jerks out there who don't have the best interests of the kids in mind.

Evolution is one of those hot button issues, and I have been having a small crisis of spirit lately in seeing how many states are pushing for creationism agendas, and how many politicians are siding with the fuckers on the radical religious right.

[arbusto_baboso]

2. This just makes the whole net neutrality issue all the more important.

[jody]

6. Do iPad Textbooks absolutely need the Internet? nt

[arbusto_baboso]

8. Good point.

[Book Lover]

28. Yes and here's why

First of all, updates to the books have to be pushed through somehow, and through the net cloud is an efficient choice to do so. Secondly, the big plus, supposedly, of e-textbooks is how they can link you right out to an original source. You need net access for that.

[jdp349]

35. as in G3?

No, that's not really necessary. Wifi would suffice, that puts everyone on the school network.

[FBaggins]

3. They probably could.

But for real effectiveness, the textbooks need to be reworked with delivery channel in mind. A .pdf version of a 400 page book really isn't going to hack it.

There would still be drawbacks, but I'd say that most could be outweighed by the advantages.

Got to come up with some way to limit their functionality while in class though.

[Donnachaidh]

4. the schools don't have cash for basics like paper and pencils

But this brainiac thinks ipads would be fine? Cobb County tried to pull a fast one with Macs a few years back -- wonder what good ole boy will be pocketing cash on this scheme?

[dsc]

13. actually books are crazy expensive.

The texts at my school are around a hundred each so the Ipad at 500 might well pay for itself in a year or two depending on what discount a paperless book would have.

[Donnachaidh]

15. like I said -- the schools have NO money to spare

I know, I have a kid in Georgia schools.

This will be a repeat of the Cobb County incident. At first we were told the mac laptops would be free, and provided to all students. Then parents were told they had to *contribute* a $500 fee in order to get one -- which would put the poor families at a loss.

It got so messed up that some parents started demanding full details of the *deal*, and it turned out that certain board members in Cobb County were paid *fees* to push this on the schools. IIRC, it turned out to be an illegal deal.

Deal is cutting the Hope scholarships - and other education cuts are coming too. This is some guy trying to line his pockets, guaranteed.

[Book Lover]

29. There will be little to no discount

As a nearly 10-year veteran of the textbook industry, I say this with certainty. The prices will barely drop because A) the paper, binding and storage of a book is actually not the greatest cost associated with it's production/manufacture and B) publishers can get away with charging just a bit less than the hard copy. Textbooks is a seller's market.

[joshcryer]

58. Which is why Open Courseware is how it'd even better be implemented.

Open texts are a pain to get out in print because the publishers have control over the whole process. But digitally they will be much more accessible.

[tblue37]

78. I teach college. I tell my students to go online and buy old editions cheap.

I don't care which editions they are using. We can synchronize our materials in class. I can't see making them spend hundreds of dollars on books that are deliberately overpriced, even if they are actually used, when purchased at the bookstore.

[Johonny]

20. my thoughts exactly

schools can't afford paper and pencils for kids, but they are going to some how maintain a Ipad base electronic infrastructure instead at less cost?

[Papagoose]

31. I have to send tissues, paper towels and toilet paper to my kids' GA school

They apparently can't afford to supply the basics. The school is in bad need of repairs, it seems that everything is completely out of date, the place is understaffed and education quality drops every year. I can't see our schools adopting iPad-level tech anytime soon.

[Sabriel]

5. Has he seen what kids do with their backpacks?

Here's a brief sample, just from this week:

--Used to bash the King off the Snow Mountain
--Left outside in sub-zero weather
--Stepped on under the swings
--Used as a shield against sister's book attack
--Stepped on in the van

Fortunately, everything in the backpack was up to that abuse.

[DainBramaged]

11. If Panasonic can make a Toughbook..............

They can make a tough Ereader for kids....or for everyone for that matter. And with the insane price of textbooks, it's not a bad idea.

[Fumesucker]

7. Ah, a propaedeutic enchiridion..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diamond_Age

[eleny]

10. The first thing that came to mind was Kindle type devices

They could replace textbooks and do it at less expense. No more lugging heavy schoolbags as with the iPad. Surely I'm showing my age with that reference.

[Matariki]

46. Better idea. No interweb distractions w/ a kindle.

[lazarus]

12. don't see how this is a money saver

my mother was a school counselor in Alabama for years. She says textbooks are meant to last for six years, so each student will get basically one new textbook a year, for a cost of 30 to 50 dollars per student. This iPad thing is 10 times that or more.

This is a ripoff also designed to get kids absorbed into the Apple culture.

[tanyev]

21. That was my first thought.

Unless the iPads are meant to be returned to the school and used for several years. Good luck with that.

[proud2BlibKansan]

48. More like 3 or 4 years

Our district buys new textbooks on a rotation schedule. We're a poor urban district but we replace our textbooks every 3-4 years. That's a pretty standard schedule.

[lazarus]

66. actually

she said that schools in Alabama are on an 8 year cycle right now due to budget constraints. But 4 years or 8 years, it's definitely cheaper than $500/year/student.

[proud2BlibKansan]

72. They wouldn't be buying new iPads for every kid every year

[girl gone mad]

14. Uh, yeah..

I don't think so.

[county worker]

16. As long as a kid could still get his/her hands on banned books it could be ok.

Growing up in Catholic school we had a list of banned books. To most of us it was the required reading list!

With an i-pad you could control what was available on it.

[GSLevel9]

17. textbook prices are ridiculous. This is a much better idea. nt

[musiclawyer]

18. Our local middle school bought I pads for all their students ...

Last year. I think they replaced old notebooks. But not all hard copy books were replaced. I do think this is the future, like it or not.

[snagglepuss]

19. Would kids be targetted by muggers who want an ipad? They'd be

easy targets. It might be something to consider.

[Phentex]

22. Only if the muggers are at school. These will be used at school...

at least according to an article I read. The kids won't take them home.

[snagglepuss]

24. But kids need to have textbooks at home to complete homework.

Are they planning to do away with homework or will kids need to buy textbooks for home use?

[proud2BlibKansan]

50. Teachers can assign homework that doesn't require a textbook

[Phentex]

64. I know my kids don't use real textbooks at home much...

but they do have access to them online. Still, their assignments don't seem to require the use of the book.

My younger son is very small and the backpack weighed a ton last year. Seems to have gotten away from that more this year.

[jody]

23. IMO items like electronic books are the future as is distance learning. IMO it would be productive

if people who can think outside the box would offer ways to adjust the course of the ship of change in education rather that think of past misdirections.

[RC]

25. I think someone is blinded by technology.

Books do not need technology to work. They are more durable, don't need batteries. What happens when the batteries no longer take a charge?
And then there is the 'Banned Book" problem. These things can be programed to not except certain books. They are computers, after all. How is that better?
Me a Luddite? Not really, just realistically cynical.

[Liquorice]

26. I really think this is the future for all schools. It just makes sense to have a reader onto

which you can easily load textbooks and other learning materials, rather than making students carry heavy, clunky books that have to be printed out by the millions. Not to mention that these books quickly become outdated and must be revised and reprinted. An ereader is a much better idea.

[krabigirl]

57. Problem with the iPad is the glare. It isn't always easy on the eyes, either.

[flvegan]

27. One school in my area replaced their books with Kindles.

The article I read said they saved a ton of money too.

[Book Lover]

30. I would really love to know what school district saved money by going Kindle

Would it be breaking into your privacy to ask which school made this happen? Thanks.

[flvegan]

32. Clearwater High School.

Here's an article on when they introduced it.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/textbooks-ditched-at-clearwater-high-as-students-log-on-to-kindles/1099264

The report I saw around a month ago reported on how much they saved. Something about getting the Kindles a bit cheaper, and how much textbooks cost x the number needed per student.

[Hippo_Tron]

53. Kindles are significantly cheaper than IPads, they were probably a little more than $100 each...

With a bulk discount.

[Book Lover]

55. Many thanks!

I am absolutely going to find out more about this. If I'm wrong, great! If I'm right, I'd like to have more evidence to back me up. Thanks@

[flvegan]

62. The interviews with the school admin was very, very positive.

And the kids were thrilled to be using the technology that they're used to seeing. Very positive story.

[Toon Me Out]

33. What about the Kindle?

jus' saying---very E-Z to upload txt files.

[cynatnite]

41. I think there are inexpensive alternatives to the iPad...

at least far cheaper ones.

[sendero]

34. He must own Apple stock..

...because there are lots of more cost-effective solutions.

[LoZoccolo]

36. No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no.

It's my pretty staid belief that any time you add a technological layer over the act of learning some other subject matter other than technology, you risk taking away from that subject matter in order to deal with the problems of the technology. Plus you are making students responsible for a $500 piece of equipment that they may not be able to afford to replace if some bully comes along and breaks it.

I'm all for teaching computer literacy as a subject, but the complications of computers should not be allowed to impede access to other subjects.

[cynatnite]

40. My son learns nearly every subject via the computer...

It is standard practice at his school. It doesn't replace the teacher, but it is a useful tool that helps...does not impede.

This has added to his education. While I was in school, we didn't get half the education that kids get today.

This is the future.

[LoZoccolo]

68. What does it add? n/t

[cynatnite]

69. You're seriously asking what computers add to an education? You don't know? n/t

[LoZoccolo]

71. When asked which newspapers she reads, Sarah Palin responded "all of 'em".

Seriously, I'd like to know your reasons.

[cynatnite]

73. I'm just stunned that you don't know what computers add...

and I don't know what Sarah Palin has to do with it. I'll play along if you'd like.

Here is the quickie summary from my son's school:

Computers improve both teaching and student achievement. Computer literacy should be taught as early as possible; otherwise students will be left behind. Work with computers - particularly using the internet - brings students valuable connections with teachers, other schools and students, and a wide network of professionals around the globe. Those connections spice the school day with a sense of real-world relevance, and broaden the educational community.

As far as my son goes, they use computers for a variety of class projects. As of late, they've mapped the solar system, built 3D models, and last week they Skyped with someone from NASA.

Now, computers do not take the place of teaching. They write stories in their journals, do some math by hand (some lessons are computerized), and more. They've got a huge globe in the corner of the classroom. I've never seen anything like it before.

This is only just a small portion of how computers aid in learning. That's not to mention the homework he does at home on his computer. Earlier tonight he watched MLK's "I Have A Dream" speech for a summary he is writing.

I can only imagine that you must think I don't know what goes on in my son's class or how he's being taught. Being involved in his education is very rewarding and it helps me with my own education since I'm on my last year of college.

For the life of me, I can't imagine what you thought you were accomplishing by this...unless you honestly don't have a clue as to what goes on in a classroom.

[proud2BlibKansan]

74. 1. You can cover much more content.

2. Instruction can easily be individualized.

3. Self-pacing

4. Kids pay attention to a computer screen longer than to a person. (I see this every day. It's amazing.)

5. Motivation

6. Their future will be computerized. Kids need to have as much experience on computers as we can give them.

[Matariki]

45. Neophobe.

[LoZoccolo]

67. I'm not so sure about that. n/t

[Hippo_Tron]

49. I would have agreed with you 5 years ago, but the technology is now about where it needs to be

As I said below I think the IPad is a horrible choice for this, but the E-Ink readers like Sony and Kindle feel like you are actually reading a book. Plus they don't really function as computers. They're designed for one thing and one thing only, and that is reading. That means they don't generally have any technological problems. Plus unlike the IPad, they wouldn't have nearly as many distractions.

[proud2BlibKansan]

51. But the iPads are interactive

I think they are a more practical choice.

[Hippo_Tron]

52. It's a tradeoff at this point, but I think some combination of the two would be ideal

And in a generation or so, the E-Ink readers will have more functionality like the Ipad.

[cynatnite]

70. One of my classmates uses an iPad in class...

He has some software app on it that is specifically for note-taking during class. It's cool to watch.

[jdp349]

37. I think it's certainly worth researching the possibility

[PBS Poll-435]

38. Let's see the textbook printers agree with this...

:rofl:

[cynatnite]

39. Excellent idea!

Maybe not iPad considering how costly they are, but the idea isn't a bad one. It could save a lot of money depending on how this is implemented and what device is offered up.

I would love to be able to swap out my heavy expensive text books for PDF files on my nook. My nook cost $150. My books per term cost well over $300.

That would save a lot of money for all students.

[NotThisTime]

42. Our school is looking into this, if they can make it work technologically in the building I say

great... my kids bags are too damn heavy, thus I buy their books for home as well, big money there.... It is the wave of the future.

[Initech]

43. Not a bad idea actually.

Those text books weigh a fucking ton, and they can be a major strain on a kid's back. Carrying something around like an iPad would be a godsend.

[walldude]

54. My kids backpack must weigh 25 lbs

it's insane, not to mention he carries a laptop with him and it's my old one so it's not real light either. This is a good idea for many reasons...

[Initech]

63. When I was in high school my backpack weighed at least 30 pounds.

And my stupid scoliosis couldn't handle it every day. And this was 10 years before the invention of the rolling backpack. I was praying for something like this to come along.

[Matariki]

44. It would probably be nice to not have to lug 20 pounds of books around.

and if you get bored in class you can watch hulu ;-)

[Hippo_Tron]

47. They should go with the Sony e-reader rather than the IPad

Reading off of a screen is more difficult and E-Ink looks like a book. And Sony's reader also has a touchscreen so that you can highlight and make notes in the margins.

I agree with the poster above that they need to develop a Toughbook type of reader so it can survive the wear and tear.

[Phentex]

65. I said that months ago and I think it can be done...

this technology is coming whether we like it or not. I have no doubt someone could come up with a toughbook sort of thing just for schools.

So much has changed just since my kids have been in school. I think this will be the norm very soon.

[Canuckistanian]

56. The senator from Apple, Inc.

Nice to know that Apple isn't ignoring individual states in their drive to take over the tech world.

[hyphenate]

59. They probably will someday

When there are no more trees to make paper.

[tammywammy]

61. I would think an eReader would be a better option

But then with an iPad or netbook, the device would allow word processing and such which would be a bonus. I can see more schools moving to this in the future, the cost of textbooks is really high. Plus, states cannot afford to get updated textbooks every year, I remember having history books that were 10 years old when I was in school. If the cost of an electronic book comes down enough, school may actually be able to afford new textbooks every year for subjects that change (or like history). This would also alleviate the heavy school bags that kids have these days.

[Fuddnik]

76. In some of the districts around here (Florida) the book stays in the classroom.

They don't buy enough for the student to take one home from each class. And they wonder why the schools down here are so fucked up.

I think the Kindle is a great idea. Or a Nook. I had a Sony pocket edition, but it had a few software glitches, and was a pain in the ass to get books. I just bought a Nook wi-fi 3G, and I love it. I can download a book anywhere in seconds. I would have maybe gotten a Kindle, but I didn't want to be married to Amazon.

[Jamastiene]

75. Looks to me to be the right idea, but I'm not sure why it should be

I-pads. The US government should make a machine that does basically the same job and make it something thieves wouldn't want to steal. In other words, make it only usable for the purpose of education. If they did it that way, they could make it cheaper and customize its use for labs and other non-textbook related education purposes too. If they use name brand stuff that can be used for other purposes, and costs tons more, it will defeat the purpose by bringing new problems in, because schools will become high dollar targets for thieves.

Still, it is not the worst idea I have ever heard. To be honest, it sounds like the best idea I've ever heard come out of a Republican's mouth.

[Fuddnik]

77. One great side benefit to e-readers.

The Texas School Textbook Commission would lose all influence over what school districts around the country could order. Printing textbook costs, just went to zero.