http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2013/02/06/02textbooks.h06.html?tkn=LWOFYf6jUuYtB7G0WQevzdyUp9WYoGxp92WY&cmp=clp-edweek
It seems as though our discussion in class about whether School Districts should move towards ebooks or not may be moot now.
"Interviews with officials of the "big three"—London-basedPearson, New York City-based McGraw-Hill Education, and Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt—suggest they're taking different approaches."
With news that "the big three" in textbook business are moving towards the digital age, may well spell the end for actual print textbooks. Not only this, but Pearson seems intent on not just converting print textbooks to virtual ones, but attempting to create all types of content from interactive video games to a digital curriculum specifically for tablets.
I feel that, while I am more of a fan of an actual physical copy of textbooks, this is a much needed transference in order to keep up with the times.
Oh my gosh, this is frightening! D: I really do not want to say good bye to actual textbooks... The way a book feels in my hands is unlike any reading tablet. A book never ever runs out of battery and no longer displays words. A book cannot get a virus nor does it crack when dropped. I am really sad about the change in opinion of these textbook companies, but... I can see some good in them though. Less trees will be wasted on written print... I guess... Newer editions are easy to update... The e-books won't burn in a fire or get drawn on... Eghhh... It's really bittersweet. What a great blog post though! You brought up such a great point.
ReplyDeleteOMG I REFUSE TO BUY A TABLET, NOOK, AND/OR E -READER!!! Sorry for all caps but man I am for reals here! Nothing can compare to actually picking up a physical book, the cracking sound the spine makes as you open it and the smell of the fresh powder pages. I book will never go out of style or need a software update or need bug fixes. I feel as though these electronic book editions put places like Borders out of business. Gaaahhhhh If it's not broke don't fix it! But i do love the fact you used a Bob Dylan song as your title ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's crazy!! I mean, it makes sense economically and it's practical to help the environment. In fact, there's a lot of good that could come from this transition. I can't help but feel sad, though. I love to smell old books and feel the texture of the pages in my hand. Doh!
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