New Ways of Conversing: The Kindle 2 and what I think it means
First check out this video on the Kindle 2 to get an idea for what it is capable of:
Now I know most people aren't too hot on the idea of giving up on their books for an electronic book, but lets consider a couple of things.
As an educator I am well aware of the disconnect between the classroom and the world outside. Not only are our social structures outdated but they are woefully under prepared to meet the needs of a dynamic student body. I remember once watching a video on the French Revolution with a class and watched as they and I both lamented at the prospect of watching a video for 45 minutes with information that they could just have easily accessed on the internet and in a fraction of the time. Our schools need to reflect the changing world around us. With the advent of technology we can imagine a classroom that includes students connecting to different sources of information instantly, posing and answering questions immediately, cross-checking different sources wirelessly, consulting video, audio, and creating their own media. The days of going home simply reading a book is over. Changes are coming to this world and our social structures need to catch up sooner.
Just as the printing press changed the landscape of information in the 15th century so has the computer. We are just now beginning to realize its applications. Move over books.
"Roughly 27 million American adults are functionally illiterate- about one in every five. Every year almost three-quarters of a million American high school students drop out, while another three-quarters of a million graduate unable to read."
-Gregory J.E. Rawlins (Moths to the Flame, 1996
I don't imagine that electronic books can reverse this complex issue on its own. But I do believe that some disenfranchised youths will benefit from a more comprehensive approach to education, especially the illiterate and educationally challenged.
As a teacher and a student of History I am all too aware of how outdated education is. Students are also aware of this discrepancy. Reading and writing is the most important element of a rounded education along with an appreciation for different subject matter. However, in order to better serve our public, we must change the way we search, sort, filter, select, and present information. I don't imagine books will ever be outdated, but I do believe they will be only a part of a more comprehensive approach to learning about the subjects in our world.
Now I know most people aren't too hot on the idea of giving up on their books for an electronic book, but lets consider a couple of things.
As an educator I am well aware of the disconnect between the classroom and the world outside. Not only are our social structures outdated but they are woefully under prepared to meet the needs of a dynamic student body. I remember once watching a video on the French Revolution with a class and watched as they and I both lamented at the prospect of watching a video for 45 minutes with information that they could just have easily accessed on the internet and in a fraction of the time. Our schools need to reflect the changing world around us. With the advent of technology we can imagine a classroom that includes students connecting to different sources of information instantly, posing and answering questions immediately, cross-checking different sources wirelessly, consulting video, audio, and creating their own media. The days of going home simply reading a book is over. Changes are coming to this world and our social structures need to catch up sooner.
Just as the printing press changed the landscape of information in the 15th century so has the computer. We are just now beginning to realize its applications. Move over books.
"Roughly 27 million American adults are functionally illiterate- about one in every five. Every year almost three-quarters of a million American high school students drop out, while another three-quarters of a million graduate unable to read."
-Gregory J.E. Rawlins (Moths to the Flame, 1996
I don't imagine that electronic books can reverse this complex issue on its own. But I do believe that some disenfranchised youths will benefit from a more comprehensive approach to education, especially the illiterate and educationally challenged.
As a teacher and a student of History I am all too aware of how outdated education is. Students are also aware of this discrepancy. Reading and writing is the most important element of a rounded education along with an appreciation for different subject matter. However, in order to better serve our public, we must change the way we search, sort, filter, select, and present information. I don't imagine books will ever be outdated, but I do believe they will be only a part of a more comprehensive approach to learning about the subjects in our world.
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