Going digital

WITH the onset of new and more portable technology like laptops and cellphones with wireless internet, almost everyone is capable of getting information off the net, engaging themselves in intelligent discussions through blogs and social networking sites and doing it all singlehandedly with a push of a button.
For kids and teenagers, this new technology is practically indispensable. Toting PSP’s, iPods and iPhones, these kids were born at a time when clicking a mouse is a mere part of their playtime.
When it comes to education, This accessibility to up-todate information is quick, easy and best of all, light to carry in their bags or pockets, compared to lugging around antiquated, heavy and expensive textbooks.
 
That is why Governor Schwarzenegger has decided to tap this resource for two reasons — he believes that digital textbooks can change the way our children learn, at the same time, it’s cost-effective and will help the state with its $24-billion budget defi cit.
The State currently spends about $330 million on instructional materials each year. The Digital Textbook Initiative would save California hundreds of millions of dollars by eliminating all funding for regular textbooks and other materials.
The initiative will pave the way for easier access to free digital texts in California’s schools, and will continually be updated as they develop. Students will have access to the most up-to-date information, rather than settling for outdated print materials.
California is home to the Silicon Valley and to software giants and fi rst-class university systems known around the world. The State must take the lead to use these technological resources to develop learning to serve the students, parents, teachers and schools better.
“As the music and newspaper industries will attest, those who adapt quickly to changing consumer and business demands will thrive in our increasingly digital society and world economy,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger and added, “Digital textbooks can help us achieve those goals and ensure that California’s students continue to thrive in the global marketplace.”
Some educators, however, argue that the initiative will be more costly than economical. Equipment costs money and teacher training would require more working computers and online access.
Would it risk the quality of education? The clamor for digital music, online social networking sites and other tools used to surf the information highway, shows that young people can easily adopt the system and will embrace it.
And environment-wise, just think of the millions of trees that will be saved. (AJPress)
( www.asianjournal.com )
( Published on July 13, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A12 )