eBooks in Schools

These days, bookstores and newspapers appear to be disappearing as actual printed text on paper is being replaced by eBooks or a quick download on one’s internet home page.  Do you think paper books are a thing of the past? 

While digital forms of media are becoming more prevalent, I do not believe paper books will disappear completely. I admit I am a huge fan of digital textbooks, online newspapers, and eBooks. Newspapers and textbooks might go completely digital, but reading books will not. Using an e-reader when traveling is extremely convenient. But, I still need to have real books when I am reading at home, I want a real book. 

Many people still prefer paper books, and I do not believe that is going to change. According to Julia Glum of the International Business Times, “For teenagers, print, amazingly, isn't dead. The generation known for staying digitally connected at all times prefers to buy and read physical books over digital ones, according to a Nielsen study released last week” (Glum, 2014). Paper books have been around for a very long time, and I do not see them leaving anytime soon.

How will the move towards online text change what we do in schools or how we select the books we read?

I believe that the move toward digital text will have a profound effect on schools. I feel textbooks will become digital. Students have always needed to tote around several big, heavy books. The switch to digital will eliminate that problem. All the students’ textbooks can go on small devices they can put in their pockets.

Libraries will need to have a larger media section. When ordering books, they will need to have a large selection of eBooks. Students need to have access to digital books that they can use for research and for fun reading. Libraries will still need to purchase physical books as well. As I stated before, students still prefer real books over digital books. They need to have access to all types of books and media in order to get the best education possible.

Another trend we are seeing in this digital age is online schools. Many colleges provide online classes, and some high schools have also gone digital. These schools need to provide all books, magazines, and news articles in digital form. Online school libraries have all of these available for their students.

References:

Glum, Julia (2014). Books vs. E-Books: Teens' Print Preferences Make Publishing Industry's Future Hard To Predict. International Business Times. Retrieve at: http://www.ibtimes.com/books-vs-e-books-teens-print-preferences-make-publishing-industrys-future-hard-1758531