The popular Kindle, from Amazon, is one example of an e-reader. Sony also makes an e-reader as do other companies. While these tools may help the morning commuter download the New York Times quickly and without having to walk to the driveway in pajamas, there may be educational benefits, as well.
Paper versus Electronic
Proponents of e-readers, or e-book readers, say that electronic media are more efficient in a number of ways. First, e-readers can contain many books but weigh a few ounces rather than several pounds. Amazon claims its Kindle weighs just over 10 ounces and can hold over 1,500 books. By comparison, the average textbook may weigh several pounds for just one book. The strain on students’ backs and on their backpacks may be reduced.
In addition, there may be ecological benefits for using e-readers, but the jury is still out on this one. Costs of producing paper versus the cost of producing the electricity an e-reader requires along with e-waste require additional attention to the technology that potentially make e-readers eco-friendly. One analysis, in the February 19, 2009 article "Read Online or In Print: What’s the Greener Way to Get Your News?" (Matranga, n.d.), indicates that reading a newspaper for thirty minutes on an e–reader is no friendlier to the environment than reading it on paper.
Other Advantages of E-readers
Textbooks are often out-of-date as soon as they hit print in some core curriculum areas. For example, when Pluto (Matranga, n.d.) lost its status as a planet, students in schools all over the globe were still reading books that indicated Pluto is a planet. Without Internet technologies, students might go right on reading that Pluto is one of nine planets in our solar system. Digital media makes it possible for content providers, such as textbook publishers, to update textbooks as new information comes to light. This will require a different mindset on the part of the publishing industry, of course. Constant review of the content provided to schools will be needed.
Accessibility
While schools must work to ensure that all students have access to texts, e-readers may provide additional accessibility for students with specific types of learning disabilities. In Kentucky, research is moving forward that shows e-readers that also speak math equations while highlighting them on-screen may have benefits for some students (Trotter, 2008).
Schools Adopt E-Readers
In California, Governor Schwarzenegger (Office of the Governor, June 2, 2009) proposed requiring increased use of digital media, starting with math and science texts as a cost-cutting measure. The Hackney City Academy in the United Kingdom has plans to offer digital textbooks using PDF files to students in Fall of 2009 (Sherwood, 2008).
As technology continues to focus on the funding needs of schools, the need for accurate and up-to-date information for teachers and students, and the need for ecologically friendly alternatives to heavy paper-based textbooks, e-readers will likely be seen increasingly in public schools.
References.
Matranga, A. (n.d.). "Solving the math/science riddle". T. H. E. Journal. [Online version].
Schwarzenegger, A. Prepared text of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Joint Legislative Session budget address. Press release: GAAS:279:09. June 2, 2009.
Sherwood, J. "School to hand out e-textbooks". Register Hardware [online version]. November 5, 2008.
Trotter, A. "Math study evaluates digital aids". Education Week [online version]. October 20, 2008.
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