Lesson 19: Tablets for Textbooks in Schools

            What are books? Books are the source of knowledge and information. Before, we have been using books as our reference and source of information.  As time goes by, many things have changed. With the technology many things were developed.  One of this technological advancement is the tablet. Tablets are like mini versions of a computer. With this development, will books be totally replaced by the tablet?  I think not.

Today, most schools still use books as their primary source of information. But are books convenient for learning? If we will look at books, it has its advantages and disadvantages. With the advantages, books provide accurate information and it can use anytime and anywhere. With the disadvantages, books are bulky, books are expensive and some books have errors which can lead students to confusions.

            Today, technology is being viewed as a savior. Given the fact that students are enamored by computer games which take which take much of their time at home; educators have begun to think that the computer screen can very well serve as a powerful educational medium. Already computer games have been adopted in developed countries as a learning technology along with other audio-visual aids to teaching-learning. Classroom instruction which rides the vehicle of gaming admittedly makes learning more effective and more fun. From studies, educational video gaming has been shown to inculcate competencies that relate to learning concentrations, lasting memory recall and higher visual literacy.

           

LAPTOP	IPAD/TABLET
Portable with hardware With keyboard With big screen Heavy weight (3-9 lbs.)	Handy to carry Easy to operate Touch screen with stylus Can store files, videos, images With camera With e-Reader

            We cannot deny the fact that, tablets can be like books. They can also be the source of information. It will give a new face to education. It can make learning-teaching more interactive and meaningful. But we cannot avoid the thought of, are we ready about this? In the Philippines, we are still having difficulties with this thing. First, tablets are expensive to purchase. Second, books are better than tablets because with tablets you need to charge. Third, teachers and students are not familiar to these things, they need training and tutorials.

            With the situation, “tablets for textbooks” is still on debate and development. Maybe not now but we are still on the positive side that someday, all schools can have this type of learning.

            “Tablets for Textbooks”, is not a bad idea. If we consider it, I think it will be effective and useful for teachers and students.

            On the other hand with the presentation of the topic, it was good because the reporters have explained and justified the advantages and disadvantages of books and tablets. They have also presented a significant study that supported their statement about the issue on, Printed Books or Electronic Books? With their PowerPoint presentation it was good. They followed the KISS (Keep it Short and Simple). All in all, I was satisfied with the reporting.

            Tablets will be a useful tool for students and teachers. It will not only bring innovation to education but it can as well improve it. Go for Tablets for Textbooks!