Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to ditch textbooks in favour of Internet resources and other digital materials in Californian schools is a bold one, but it's hardly original. I'm a fan of Arnie as both an actor and politician, but I suspect on this occasion he is more interested in saving money than he is in raising the quality of learning on the US West Coast. True, digital material is easier to update and children do tend to have a natural affinity with gadgets and gizmos, notwithstanding all the rhetoric over Prensky's digital natives theory. However, the cynical amongst us will point to California's state deficit of more than 24 billion dollars as the real inspiration behind Arnie's decision. But his decision may, and probably will, pay dividends of another kind in the future, providing he can drag the teachers along with him on his scheme. It will need to be more than just 'Hasta la (Microsoft) Vista, baby' for Arnie and his team, though. The use of digital media, and particularly social media such as Facebook and Twitter, must surely be the way forward to transform education in all sectors. But it should not be at the detriment of other forms of established, successful learning through more traditional methods. Books still have a place in pedagogy and probably always will have.
My research for the statewide project to wire the schools of South Dakota 7 years ago showed that digital technologies sit comfortably side by side with traditional media. We also found that learning is not transformed simply by the deployment of technology, but by its creative use to enhance learning opportunities and create new experiences. And only then, if the teachers will buy into it.
So Mr Terminator, whatever your motives, do forge ahead with your reforms, but please don't throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Relevant links:
Anthea Lipsett: Education by ebook branded a cheapskate scheme
Terry Freedman: Some pros and cons of online textbooks
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