Growing up, I used computers to write papers, make clip art and play games, now (for a while) you can get and read books (and now text books) on computers…Well, we are talking about the smaller versions: Kindle, ipad and other mobile reading devices. So, you’re telling me kids these days don’t have try to keep their balance all day long lugging around those heavy books like we used to do?!
Although the “Digital Libraries: Shifting the Landscape” article is from 2009, a lot has changed. Some of the authors predictions have come true…schools have gotten rid of physical text books and more and more people are getting, have or will borrow a mobile reading device. I know that not ALL schools and students have these devices now but some day they will (they will HAVE to if they get rid of the physical books). The University of Virginia (as of 2009) paired together with Google and made their text books digital. In the past two years, I wonder how many other schools have gone digital? And when they went digital who paid for the portable reading devices-parents or school? Better yet: what are we going to do with our libraries that have no books in them?...but, that’s another question for another day!
I haven’t read a book on a portable reading device yet but those that I know have really liked it. You can enlarge the type, use the built-in text -to-speech option and if you don’t know a word you can touch the word and it will define it for you…No more hearing: GO LOOK IT UP IN THE DICTIONARY!! These features are great for every student especially those that need bigger type, to be able to hear what they are reading and looking up words. In the article, the author didn’t know of too many programs that the portaable reading devices would be good for in the class but in the last two years, they have made programs for every type of student, for every subject and grade level.
Another great point the author makes is that digital reading devices can synchronize with other brands of reading devices. They can also be used for collaborative knowledge…the books can be simultaneously displayed at different sites and worked on at the same time. Also, if you want to read something the “old school” way, you can print it out and read it.
I am for the use of Digital Learning Devices in the classroom, there are so many opportunities to learn on them and they will be forever moving forward with information. In the future I would to have the portable reading devices for each student.
NETS: Communication and Collaboration. The students can find any text book, article, journal or essays on the portable reading devices, share the information and even collaborate.
The first question about mobile reading devices in education is: how do we justify the cost? Will they pay for themselves over time since textbooks would not need to be replaced? How often would the digital readers need to be replaced? What sort of accountability would the students have for damage to the readers?
ReplyDeleteThe immediate access dictionary sounds highly convenient. The ease of access would enhance student productivity and understanding. A student could quickly and easily access definition of words they not familiar with. A student that might not want to go grab a dictionary and go searching through the pages will likely be more inclined to learn new words.
Another exciting prospect is student interest and engagement. The younger generations are increasingly hooked on technology. Just the prospect of using a calculator can stimulate interest.