My article is on the issue of digital libraries and more specifically electronic books. I think that this newer discovery makes transportation and accessibility much more convenient. For example, while working on this particular assignment I was able to use my laptop and download the article without having to go into a library or bookstore. The handiness to this ability makes it capable to work on the go! Electronic books and resources are also more practical for travelers and business people who need resources while possible in unaccommodating areas. There are no longer issues of hours of operation, because the internet is twenty-four hours!
Electronic books in schools will slowly transition less use of paper. No more photo copies, multiple book purchases, and the transportation back and forth from home to school. This will also eliminate forgotten handouts and books at school or home, because again the internet is always available.
Problems I can see in this progression of all electronic books, are the costs, and soon demand for “kindle-like” devices. As mentioned in the article the review and “jumping around” the electronic pages are not as easy as a real book. However, the benefits to this resource seem greater with the development in younger readers, with the capability of the built-in-text-to-speech. This function can help new readers understand and develop new words.
I think that this new feature will broaden the competence of both the users, and the efficiency of unnecessary printing and portability.
Citations:
Bull, G., & Sites, M. (2009, August). Digital Libraries: Shifting the Landscape. Learning and Leading with Technology. Retrieved from: http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23913&DirectListComboInd=D
Hello Casey
ReplyDeleteThis has actually been a pretty big point of discussion between me and several other friends who also want to be teachers. We, for the most part, like the idea of an electronic library, especially being able to get resources that might not be readily available in local locations. It is also great in terms of being more environmentally healthy, with saving paper and such. However, I am one of those people who just learn better with a book in my hand rather than stare at a computer screen for hours on end. Another issue that we have talked about is one you covered: having to actually buy and provide the electronic resources for the students, something that can get very costly especially if they get lost. Another issue I have talked about the corporatizing of education, with a growing company mentality of being able to provide these resources at a regular cost to the school every year instead of a one-time purchase of a book.
Hello Casey and Jason,
ReplyDeleteI see the usefulness in digital libraries more than I do digital books, yet both have advantages and shortcomings. I agree with Casey's summary that digital libraries are convenient because they are open 24/7 and that information can be pulled from anywhere in the world right to an Internet-able machine. BUT...
I never thought myself as 'old-fashioned' but I guess I may be a little bit so, because learning and growing is not only about the education you receive (or rather information). Learning and education is so much more than that - it is the human interaction you have when entering a library, the skills one develops reaching out to another human to ask help with finding a book. The inter-generational exposure of youth interacting with adults or youth with youth. It is gathering around a table to discuss ideas instead of on a chat room (or dare I say, blog?). Although I am rather enjoying the blog "scene".
The last time I saw my physician, the clinic had the newest technology in place, where the doctor took her notes electronically. A large computer screen was in front of her face during most of my visit. I am not sure if she ever looked at me in the eyes, human to human. I do not want this to happen in education.
It would be ideal to find a happy medium between the two, and I am confident that educators will, even only by default, since it will take years before the technology on electronic books will be available to all public school districts.
Electronic libraries? Digital books? Sure! Bring it on - but remember the human component, because an electronic book, or a digital library can never replace a interaction between two people.
If you like to go on tangents, like me, about technology versus nature, a fascinating topic, read the Poem by Wendell Berry "Some Further Words". I hope to teach literature one day so I have to incorporate great writings any chance I get :)