As a state that is among leaders in education reform, California seems to be trendsetters for the rest of the country. Recently, as a way to battle a $24 billion state budget deficit, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has asked the states 6 million public schools to look into whether or not they could use more digital resources that are free. Potentially, this could save the state millions of dollars that could then be used to hire more teachers and reduce class size.
The Education Commission of the State views the plan as one of the most ambitious in the nation. As an outsider, the plan seems to be solid but a few flaws are worth noting. First of all, the plan does not replace textbooks in the classroom, it supplements the textbooks they are buying and continuing to buy. Another problem stems from the fact that California public schools received a D- for its use of technology and is only able to provide on average one computer for every four students. How do four students share one computer to look at online resources? For those of us that have used computers in the classroom, I think we'd agree that sometimes it is hard for two students to share. Another problem that could arise is computer access at home. If a student does not have internet access or a computer at home, how do we expect them to use these resources for learning outside of school?
This coming school year, my school will be using online textbooks for our US History course. We are ordering two classroom sets to cover the rooms that the subject will be taught in and that is it. We are doing this because in a year or two we will become a school in which each student has their own lap top. The move to online textbooks will save us money and will also save on wear and tear of the textbooks we buy, hopefully resulting in a longer shelf life for the books. If a student does not need the book, it is stored on the shelves in the teachers room rather than abused in a locker, car or wherever else kids store their textbooks.
In conclusion, I think a shift to online textbooks is a great thing but schools must be prepared. I'm not 100% convinced California schools are ready for this. Currently, the state ranks 49th out of 50 in technology in their schools. It appears that the poor computer to student ratio could lead to problems in the classroom. If they are already buying textbooks, will they really be saving any money? Could the need to update technology end up costing schools more in the long run?
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Jeff
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to see the results of your school and others who are utilizing these new tools. I know some parents and teachers who still want their students to have the traditional hardback text book in their hand. We are preparing 21st century students and need to use 21st century tools.
If a school can save money and help equip students for life in today’s advancing technological society, I am in favor of giving it a try. We have digital textbooks, cell phones for use in the classroom, one-to-one intuition, yet our high stakes tests are still paper/pencil. This appears to be contradicting. Maybe this is why so many schools are not making AYP. We need to test students in the same technology means that we are using to teach them.
Chad
I believe nothing happens without a cost, whether monetary or otherwise. If schools in California wish to go to digital textbooks then they, and their students, must be adequately positioned to do so. It is unfornate that many states face massive budget shortfalls, and they must trim the turkey, and still leave something to eat. In the end, the public schools in California will be cutting a massive number of valuable programs, especially those that help disadvantaged youth i.e. summer school and after school programs, if going to online textbooks takes more educational resources out of their hands then we are asking a reduction in student achievement. Digital is great, current technologies are also wonderful, but I would recommend staying with old textbooks and not replacing them, versus asking those who likely don't have Computers or Internet to somehow come up with a reasonable method of sharing one computer with four students. If the old textbook ratio is 1:1 and the computer ratio 1:4, stick with the textbooks until such time as that ratio can be improved upon.
ReplyDeleteUsing online text is very important for our students as I have noticed that they do not read their hard copy at all. Every year, we give them text book and when you ask them about it, some of them will tell you it is still in their locker or they have never opened it. If you give home work on it many of them will not do it. However, the problem I envisage is that many of our schools do not have enough computers to go round and this will affect the program. Also some of our students come from homes where they do not have computer or internet service at all. For this program to work we need to look at all possible clichés .
ReplyDeleteJeff, this article seems like it is going to have some hidden flaws that are either not being though through or else not being discussed. I share your concern for number of computers related to students. Also I am not completely in favor of having a student read from a computer all day. I have heard reports of trying to limit student’s television and computer time. Personally I would much rather hold a textbook than read through it on a computer. I would be curious to see how students like the class. I also find it hard to believe that there are many free textbooks out their for students to access.
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting argument you set forth about technology saving money. Usually the train of thought is that technology will cost more money to integrate into education. School districts need to be careful because they need to make sure that the student to computer ration is one to one and that all student have access to computers at home. If text books are going to be in a digital format school districts will have to realize that students need access to computers. You are very fortunate to teach at a school that will be an all laptop school. Programs like this can be the only way students will be assured access to their digital textbooks.
ReplyDeleteI think online textbooks sound great on the surface. You said, “potentially, this could save . . . millions that could then be used to hire more teachers and reduce class size.” I wonder what California will actually do with the money. Something tells me that class size will not be reduced.
ReplyDeleteI also think online textbooks ignores the learning needs of some students. I am the kind of person who comprehends better when I am holding the reading material on paper in my hands. I know, I know. . . go green—and I don’t print everything. It’s just that some material is better absorbed that way for me. What I am going to do? Print the whole book?