Jul 10 2009
Digital Textbooks
In a recent eSchool News article, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a first-of-its-kind initiative to offer digital textbooks for high school math and science classes. In an effort to cut costs without sacrificing valuable educational programs, Gov. Schwarzenegger made a request to Secretary of Education Glen Thomas to work with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and State Board of Education President Ted Mitchell to develop a list of standards-aligned open resources. The list is said to be ready by August 10.
Once the list is released, it will be up to the local school districts to decide whether or not to go with digital content versus the traditional printed media. It is also to soon to speculate what the cost savings will be and whether or not teachers will be open to the idea of not having text books.
Other issues to consider are going to be: having enough tech support for schools, delivering professional development and addressing the Williams Case, which mandates that every child must have a textbook or instructional materials, or both, to use in class and to take home.
It’s great that California is finally making the transition to using digital textbooks. School districts could be saving millions of dollars, which in turn can be used to fund teachers and other program for schools, such as the arts.
For full details, go to www.eschoolnews.com and click on the tab for the Current Issue (July 2009). You must have an account to view the article. sign up is free.
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