Pretty interesting day (19th) and it's hard not to be excited! I'm probably over exaggerating (and maybe not), but the announcement, the plans, the partnerships, presented and discussed today seems like a jumping point into that super futuristic world of flying cars and bubble buildings that we imagined as kids (or just me) "the future" would hold. Why this seems different other "big" things that (especially Apple) have been announced and introduced that have significantly impacted the way we interact and do life, I'm really not sure. For me it just seems big!
Apple's jump here into textbooks seems like a next logical step in there ventures in to digital media, so it's not overly suprising, but I will say it is impressive the partnerships they've created that will begin to make an impact on the tools and resources we use for learning. Two key words that stuck with me from the plans and announcement. First is "access". The potential for access for all students is immense; and I'm not just limiting this to the now. The idea of not having to lug textbooks in a bag or the greatly reduced price or the HUGE advantage of having a resource that is always up-to-date is something you can't ignore. I'm excited about the innovation this is going to drive across the board. You know Amazon/Kindle is going to be right there with Apple presenting/providing an equally innovative and quality product so that there is competition and choice for districts and schools. Not only a huge opportunity for education, but an achievement of a free market, capitalistic society. The second key word I heard was "static." Not a word I hear a whole lot, but it just really struck me in the conversation and context of the roll out of the idea and plan. The world of social media and information immersion that we live in, nothing is static...it moves, it changes, always for the next step. If you're static, you're left behind. I think we've known that for awhile regarding textbooks and that system. The big publishers, Discovery Ed. and the like have done good things to create online and digital mediums, but have lacked the...umph (lack of a better word here) that can be provided by the market-ability of Apple and the others that will undoubtedly follow. It's cool to think of a resource that is able to constantly evolve! Is that not something we desire as learners!?
Again, love the opportunities this presents and look forward to seeing how these resources begin to integrate into our districts, schools and classrooms and sharing in that journey with you! What were the key words/ideas and take aways for you?? What are you most looking forward to?? Leave your comments!
Blessings
B
Apple's jump here into textbooks seems like a next logical step in there ventures in to digital media, so it's not overly suprising, but I will say it is impressive the partnerships they've created that will begin to make an impact on the tools and resources we use for learning. Two key words that stuck with me from the plans and announcement. First is "access". The potential for access for all students is immense; and I'm not just limiting this to the now. The idea of not having to lug textbooks in a bag or the greatly reduced price or the HUGE advantage of having a resource that is always up-to-date is something you can't ignore. I'm excited about the innovation this is going to drive across the board. You know Amazon/Kindle is going to be right there with Apple presenting/providing an equally innovative and quality product so that there is competition and choice for districts and schools. Not only a huge opportunity for education, but an achievement of a free market, capitalistic society. The second key word I heard was "static." Not a word I hear a whole lot, but it just really struck me in the conversation and context of the roll out of the idea and plan. The world of social media and information immersion that we live in, nothing is static...it moves, it changes, always for the next step. If you're static, you're left behind. I think we've known that for awhile regarding textbooks and that system. The big publishers, Discovery Ed. and the like have done good things to create online and digital mediums, but have lacked the...umph (lack of a better word here) that can be provided by the market-ability of Apple and the others that will undoubtedly follow. It's cool to think of a resource that is able to constantly evolve! Is that not something we desire as learners!?
Again, love the opportunities this presents and look forward to seeing how these resources begin to integrate into our districts, schools and classrooms and sharing in that journey with you! What were the key words/ideas and take aways for you?? What are you most looking forward to?? Leave your comments!
Blessings
B