[Year 12 IPM] Digital textbooks
Laurie Savage
sav at pvgc.vic.edu.au
Tue Sep 5 13:17:42 EST 2006
What a good idea! I've been using Gutenberg texts as source for web
pages instead of Lorem Ipsum.
Laurie
Donna Benjamin wrote:
> 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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>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
>>>>> IPM Mailing List kindly supported by
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>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> http://www.edulists.com.au <http://www.edulists.com.au> - FAQ,
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>>>>> subscribe, unsubscribe
>>>>> IPM Mailing List kindly supported by
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>>>>> Information Technology Teachers Association Inc
>>> Keith Richardson
>>>
>>>
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--
Laurie Savage
===============================================
Student Assessment, Reporting and Tracking
Pascoe Vale Girls College, Pascoe Vale, Vic, AU
+613 9306 2544
===============================================
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