Article #2 - iBooks

Article #2 - iBooks

As a perspective teacher, I realize that technology is developing at a rate that is unaccustomed to most people my age and older. Technology is becoming a prevalent addition into the field of education, something that teachers should not only become familiar with, they should lerrn to properly utilize and implement this technology into their classrooms. There is no longer a reason for students to lug around multiple textbooks in ones’ backpack. The world is developing and so are our students.

As observed in the Apple introduction video “iBooks, textbooks video”, the iBook allows for students to purchase all of their required textbooks for much less than half of the price they would regularly pay for the hardcopies. Walt Overbay, an English teacher and Lexington High School, mentioned in the video these iBooks have proven to stimulate the minds of his students, something that he was previously unable to do with a select few. Mr. Overbay continued to say that if a ‘spark for learning’ is prevalent in the minds of his students, those students will not only want to attend school, they will want to continue to learn.

Arguably one of the best features offered through the iBook is that it builds an interest in visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners; something that a printed textbook is not capable of doing. The iBooks provides engaging activities that allow students to have fun, another feature not offered in printed textbooks – and if students are having fun they will continue to want to attend class, as previously mentioned.

Towards the beginning of the Apple video, a U.S. high school history teacher brought up a tremendous argument in that once a textbook is printed, it is almost immediately outdated. With that said, her argument has the backing of the CEO of the McGraw-Hill and Pearson printing presses. The CEO of McGraw-Hill printing press stated that these iBooks are the ‘opportunity of the century’, and that both teachers and students need to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Originally, I was skeptical as to how difficult it would be for students and teachers to master these iBooks. However, to my delight the video explained the note taking process, and how easy it is for students to construct their own personal notes by simply highlighting the important readings with their finger, and adding additional notes they can use for their examinations.

That said, I can acknowledge and understand the drawbacks to these iBooks in that not every school district will be able to afford enough to provide for each student. In addition, it is a tremendous risk that each student will take in that they have a largely expensive piece of technology that they need to properly take care of throughout the entire school year. However, I think this is a risk worth taking in that it will benefit student.