Two bills working their way through our state legislature are aimed at bringing public schools into the digital age. They would either require 50 percent of materials spending to go toward digital books and e-readers, as in the Florida House’s version of the bill, or test the waters with certain schools investing in said technology.
We’re having trouble seeing a downside to giving students — especially high-school-age kids who would be less likely to break a digital device — a way to easily carry all of their books and download more along the way. The end result would be cheaper in the long run, and including Internet access would level the playing field for students lacking home computers or connections.
Other than losing the tangible elements that students have associated with studying for generations — highlighting, dog-earing and bookmarking — the plan doesn’t seem to take anything away from pupils. Instead, it would add a much-needed familiarity with electronic devices and cut costs.
This change isn’t a result of a fad, but a natural evolution of our current educational system into something more inclusive and more portable. It’s using the Internet and technology to the best end.
