Journal #9 Is It Time to Switch to Digital Textbooks? / Nets-T 3

Journal #9 Is It Time to Switch to Digital Textbooks?

Griffin, M, & Cady, M. (2010). Is it time to switch to digital textbooks?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november.aspx

Nets-T #3

This article was provided in a way that each author stated their views on whether or not our education system should switch to digital textbooks.  Meg Griffin who argues for the switch to ebooks, says that students already have digital tools like cell phones, iPods and computers, digital text books would only fit in with the lifestyle.  She goes on to state that removing print textbooks would give the students a new light in engaging with literature.  In addition, the tools that comes along with digital textbooks, things like translators, pronunciation guides, and vocabulary support students individual learning needs. 

Michael Cady who argues against digital textbooks, not only does not like the idea, he doesn’t like textbooks in general.  He basis his argument to state that students do not learn effectively when required to read textbooks compared to when teachers find innovative teaching methods. 

As far as desiring to be a life-long learner, I personally agree with the argument against textbooks altogether.  I think that with technology abilities today, teachers can incorporate new and exciting lesson plans that teach efficiently and effectively in comparison to textbooks. 

Question #1:  If digital textbooks are used, in what ways can they hurt a student’s learning and education?

Answer #1: I think that although our culture is changing and evolving to use technology in many areas of our daily lives, it is still important to recognize that engaging in print text is still used and important.  Technology based text is easy to navigate through because of “finding” tools, etc.  Therefore, being able to navigate and understand print text is more difficult and is a skill to be acquired and learned; not deleted.

Question #2: In what way can we teach and educate our children without the use of textbooks?

Answer #2: I think that giving our students the opportunity to learn by experience is the best teaching tool.