[Year 12 IPM] Digital textbooks
Donna Benjamin
donna at cc.com.au
Tue Sep 5 12:42:29 EST 2006
That's a nice exercise in itself - There is a lot of stuff online now
thanks to project gutenburg - downloading and formatting it is a good
way to learn an appreciation for information processing and management,
and thinking about purpose and audience.
Perhaps a cross-curriculum exercise - download Romeo and Juliet, have
each student do page layout of a different scene, and write their own
modern english translation. Perhaps illustrating a key moment of the
scene with a drawing program, or staging it and filming or photographing
it... ultimately creating a class edition of the classic for the
library.
On Tue, 2006-09-05 at 12:05 +1000, Laurie Savage wrote:
> My own feeling about digital textbooks is pretty simple. If I can't curl
> up in the hammock under a tree with a beer and read it, then I don't
> want to know about it!
>
> On a slightly more scientific note I worked in Telecom's Market Planning
> Branch in the 1970s as a Senior Research Officer. We were looking at
> videophones, textel, teletext etc. and commissioned some work from the
> sociologist Sol Encel at NSW Uni. He reviewed the literature on the
> physiology of reading text on video screens and paper and found there is
> a basis for the fatigue we feel when reading large chunks on screen. It
> is to do with the on-screen rastering and subsequent decoding of the
> image in the brain. This process is more energy consuming and uses more
> parts of the brain than reading non-flickering text on paper. Basically
> retention rates after reading on-screen material are less than reading
> paper based text while fatigue rates are higher.
>
> As a personal test, go to Project Gutenberg, download your favourite
> classic and
> 1) Try reading it on screen,
> 2) Print it on A4 and read it, and
> 3) Print it in 10pt Roman on smaller format paper using
> no more than 65 characters per line.
>
> If you are like the rest of us, option 3 is most comfortable. Publishers
> and print designers have known this for a couple of centuries!
>
> Laurie
>
> Diane Peat wrote:
> > Our school introduced the digital textbook a few years ago too. I thought it
> > would be wonderful - screens with limited text so it was easy for students
> > (particularly NESBs) to understand, well explained concepts, good
> > worksheets, etc. It was a total failure - students like something tangible
> > on which to scribble their own explanations of words comments/theories they
> > don't understand. I spent the entire year photocopying! Never again. They
> > are a great resource, but for us, the textbook was much better.
> >
> > Diane Peat
> > Firbank Grammar School
> > 51 Outer Crescent
> > BRIGHTON VIC 3186
> > Telephone 9591 5188
> > Email dpeat at firbank.vic.edu.au
> > Web www.firbank.vic.edu.au
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]On
> > Behalf Of Jim Bunn
> > Sent: Tuesday, 5 September 2006 9:58 AM
> > To: 'Year 12 Information Technology Processing and
> > ManagementTeachers'Mailing List'
> > Subject: RE: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> >
> > We did that here as well, and had to endure it for three years, because at
> > our school, once you introduce a new textbook you can't change it for three
> > years (unless the study design changes). Our kids much prefer a real
> > textbook, as do I.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> >
> > Jim Bunn
> > CCNA CCAI ITE1
> > Technology Coordinator
> > Hampton Park Secondary College
> > Victoria Australia
> > 8795 9400
> >
> > bunn.jim.c at edumail.vic.gov.au
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au] On
> > Behalf Of Keith Richardson
> > Sent: Monday, 4 September 2006 6:08 PM
> > To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> > Teachers'Mailing List
> > Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> >
> > we did that for one year in IP&M and the kids hated it (and they are
> > very computer literate - long live paper!
> > Keith
> >
> >
> > On Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:26:14 +1000, "Sam Denniston"
> > <samdenniston at iprimus.com.au> said:
> >>
> >> I can think of no greater torture than being forced to navigate through
> >> and
> >> read a textbook on a laptop.
> >>
> >>
> >> On 4/9/06 3:18 PM, "Mark Scott" <msc at staff.luther.vic.edu.au> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Royce
> >>>
> >>> In the words of the immortal Billy S
> >>>
> >>> ³Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
> >>> Or close the wall up with our English dead.
> >>> In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
> >>> As modest stillness and humility;
> >>> But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
> >>> Then imitate the action of the tiger:
> >>> Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.²
> >>>
> >>> To be short, you have no idea what you are talking about.
> >>>
> >>> They said the same thing about calculators back in the early seventies.
> >>>
> >>> Cordially yours
> >>> Mark Scott
> >>> Luther College
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> > On
> >>> Behalf Of Royce Williams
> >>> Sent: Monday, 4 September 2006 2:51 PM
> >>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> >>> Teachers'MailingList
> >>> Subject: RE: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> >>>
> >>> Where to start
> >>>
> >>> The theory that every student should own and bring to class a laptop is
> > of
> >>> course one of the biggest educationalist crap shoots ever. With changes
> > in the
> >>> Internet / increased home ownership of computers /increased home
> > broadband
> >>> /USB memory down to 59$ per gig /pod casting/ VCE and drafting ...
> > Remember
> >>> that ... I think student carried lippies should be well dead by now.
> >>>
> >>> However Pods ?COWs individual laptops taken into classes is very valid.
> >>> Particularly in science .. Which not only has specialist rooms but have
> > a huge
> >>> amount of simulation and other programs that can be used.
> >>>
> >>> We have for student use here about 150 laptops that can be borrowed by
> > classes
> >>> and individually. We don't use trolleys here due to physical layout of
> > school.
> >>> But bringing technology to students is better than making them lockstep
> > to a
> >>> "special" room .. Not withstanding that we have specialist computer
> > areas
> >>> (music/multimedia/art) and two full size computer rooms for when they
> > are
> >>> appropriate.
> >>>
> >>> Laptops do cost more than equivalent desktops because of more expensive
> > PSU's
> >>> / batteries and LCD screens .. Tho the difference is rapidly falling.
> > However
> >>> you also need a better constructed laptop to survive the rigours of
> > school
> >>> life than you do a desk top. So hopping to get several years out of a
> > sub
> >>> $1000 laptop is a forlorn hope.
> >>> E.G. you might run DELL or Acer in your labs but you need the IBM or HP
> > in
> >>> your laptops.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Here students are not allowed in Computer rooms without supervision (in
> >>> theory) .. In Middle school it leads off the Library .. No problems ..
> > But
> >>> senior school is really a problem with damage .. I need to put a teacher
> > on a
> >>> couch in there ... Rofl.
> >>> However there are 12 computers in the senior Library for student use as
> > well.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Royce Williams
> >>> Manager Information Technology
> >>> Billanook College
> >>> 197-199 Cardigan Rd
> >>> Mooroolbark 3138
> >>> Victoria Australia
> >>> Tel: 61-3-9725 5388; Fax: 61-3-9725 8556
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> > On
> >>> Behalf Of Cameron
> >>> Sent: Friday, 1 September 2006 10:22 AM
> >>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> > Teachers'Mailing
> >>> List
> >>> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Apologies if this appears more than once - forgot to change identity.
> > :(
> >>> Let me say that Laptop computers are not a fad. Once seen as a way that
> >>> private schools could "show off", they are now very mainstream in
> > schools,
> >>> business and homes. Laptops are a superb solution to mobility and "where
> > are
> >>> we going to fit in some more computers?". They have a role to play where
> >>> appropriate.
> >>> I would give my right arm for the ability of my Science classes to be
> > able to
> >>> wheel in a set of notebooks to record prac results and create reports in
> > real
> >>> time *in the lab*.
> >>> Each of our Yr 7 classes have their own trolley of 12 notebooks (1
> > between 2
> >>> model) that they take to each class. They are responsible for their own
> >>> trolley which has helped reduce damage as they have a sense of
> > ownership. The
> >>> notebooks have helped many teachers transform the way they teach. Having
> >>> immediate access to the technology without need to organise room-swaps
> > or
> >>> book computer rooms allows teachers to teach and students to learn "on
> > the
> >>> fly" if needed. You don't need to plan to have "a computer lesson", you
> > just
> >>> integrate the ICT as needed. The change we have seen in just 8 months is
> >>> astounding.
> >>> As mentioned the "bang for your buck" works out well in favour of
> > desktops,
> >>> but only if you think in terms of hardware costs. I would place a great
> > deal
> >>> more weight on "educational bang for your buck" when considering between
> > the
> >>> two and notebooks rapidly catch or even surpass desktops when that is
> >>> factored in.
> >>> Given the amount of use the laptops have had, they are holding up
> > remarkably
> >>> well. We have had one badly damaged case that will cost in the region of
> > $800
> >>> to repair. OUCH! - may as well buy a new one. We have had a bit of
> > trouble
> >>> with some keys being removed, but when you think of the amount of time
> > they
> >>> are used for, it isn't too bad.
> >>>
> >>> We are probably looking at a bit of both. We are having trouble deciding
> > where
> >>> we can store the trolleys securely and at the same time, where we can
> > fit in
> >>> more desktops. It is great to have the technology out of sight until you
> > need
> >>> it and then you can place it on the same desks without the need for
> >>> additional furniture or desks.
> >>>
> >>> If it is foreseen that students will one day have their own personal
> > computers
> >>> in whatever form they may take, we may as well start now and develop
> > teaching
> >>> methods and courses that use the current mobile technology. I believe a
> >>> graduated development of teaching pedagogy will be more useful than
> > waiting
> >>> and trying to shift over to a new style once it has been deemed that
> > enough
> >>> students have access to make it worthwhile.
> >>>
> >>> Cheers
> >>> Cameron
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Thursday 31 August 2006 20:12, Stephen Digby wrote:
> >>>>> Just got a single notebook trolley with 10 ACERs much against my
> >>>>> recomendation. Hope that the machines last..... In the past, I have
> >>>>> had bad experience with notebooks in classrooms - more than twice the
> >>>>> price (esp. including more frequent amd much more expensive repairs);
> >>>>> last less than half service life (include downtime); less classroom
> >>>>> efficiency for teacher (get trolley, supervise handout, supervise
> > use,
> >>>>> wait till students start them up, supercvise return to trolley c
> >>>>> correct connections to chargers; return trolley and plug in)
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Think that this is a very temporary fad until students all have
> >>>>> "personal" computers as seamlessly as they have phones.....
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >> ===========================================================================
> >>>>> = ==========
> >>>>> Stephen Digby, Learning Technology Manager
> >>>>> mailto:admin at cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> >>>>> Cheltenham Secondary College www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> >>>>> <http://www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au/> Ph: 613 955 55 955 Fx: 9555 8617
> >>>>>
> > ===========================================================================
> >>>>> = ==========
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.
> >>>>> Albert Einstein
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _____
> >>>>>
> >>>>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au
> > [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> >>>>> On Behalf Of Robert Minato
> >>>>> Sent: 31 August 2006 03:37 PM
> >>>>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> >>>>> Teachers'Mailing List
> >>>>> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Our school does not let students into computer rooms unless under
> >>>>> teacher supervision. We have three computer classrooms and another
> >>>>> computer room attached to the library. Students are allowed to use
> >>>>> library computers whenever library is open.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> We have recently gone down the path of setting up three cows
> >>>>> (computers on wheels). The library staff take bookings for these
> >>>>> laptop trolleys; nine laptops per trolley. Teachers book the cows and
> >>>>> can use them in any classroom. The advantage I have found with the
> >>>>> cows is that you can sometimes just book one cow as not all students
> >>>>> need a computer at the same time; ie others are doing prac tasks.
> >>> On Thursday 31 August 2006 20:12, Stephen Digby wrote:
> >>>>> Just got a single notebook trolley with 10 ACERs much against my
> >>>>> recomendation. Hope that the machines last..... In the past, I have
> >>>>> had bad experience with notebooks in classrooms - more than twice the
> >>>>> price (esp. including more frequent amd much more expensive repairs);
> >>>>> last less than half service life (include downtime); less classroom
> >>>>> efficiency for teacher (get trolley, supervise handout, supervise
> > use,
> >>>>> wait till students start them up, supercvise return to trolley c
> >>>>> correct connections to chargers; return trolley and plug in)
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Think that this is a very temporary fad until students all have
> >>>>> "personal" computers as seamlessly as they have phones.....
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >> ===========================================================================
> >>>>> = ==========
> >>>>> Stephen Digby, Learning Technology Manager
> >>>>> mailto:admin at cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> >>>>> Cheltenham Secondary College www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> >>>>> <http://www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au/> Ph: 613 955 55 955 Fx: 9555 8617
> >>>>>
> > ===========================================================================
> >>>>> = ==========
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.
> >>>>> Albert Einstein
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _____
> >>>>>
> >>>>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au
> > [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> >>>>> On Behalf Of Robert Minato
> >>>>> Sent: 31 August 2006 03:37 PM
> >>>>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> >>>>> Teachers'Mailing List
> >>>>> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Our school does not let students into computer rooms unless under
> >>>>> teacher supervision. We have three computer classrooms and another
> >>>>> computer room attached to the library. Students are allowed to use
> >>>>> library computers whenever library is open.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> We have recently gone down the path of setting up three cows
> >>>>> (computers on wheels). The library staff take bookings for these
> >>>>> laptop trolleys; nine laptops per trolley. Teachers book the cows and
> >>>>> can use them in any classroom. The advantage I have found with the
> >>>>> cows is that you can sometimes just book one cow as not all students
> >>>>> need a computer at the same time; ie others are doing prac tasks.
> >>> _______________________________________________
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> >>>
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> >>
> > Keith Richardson
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
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--
donna benjamin - executive director
http://www.creativecontingencies.com/
ph +61 3 9326 9985 | mob +61 418 310 414
research - facilitation - web development
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