Technology has changed the way we look at many things, including educational books and materials. These technological advances have taken many schools by storm, and there are many more that are added to the number of educators using digital materials every day. In fact, using some type of technology, whether computers, laptops, iPads, or Kindles, is a natural part of nearly every student’s day.
Improved Availability
There are a number of reasons for education to take the leap to online learning and educational materials, but one of the most important is that the devices allow multiple students to access the same material at the same time. Most school libraries carry only a few copies of certain books, and this can be problematic when entire classrooms are completing the same project. When educational materials are available online, every student can access the information and books at the same time.
There are a number of reasons for education to take the leap to online learning and educational materials, but one of the most important is that the devices allow multiple students to access the same material at the same time. Most school libraries carry only a few copies of certain books, and this can be problematic when entire classrooms are completing the same project. When educational materials are available online, every student can access the information and books at the same time.
More Practical
Educational books are notoriously heavy and unwieldy, and for students who are taking multiple classes, transporting all the materials can become difficult. Kindles and other electronic devices can store an amazing amount of material and educational apps, which allows students to carry considerably less to and from classes and school each day.
Greener Alternatives
Internet-based books and educational apps do not require printing in mass quantities to satisfy the needs of students. This is an important consideration in both school settings and those who supplement their children’s education at home. The accessibility of these materials also reduces the amount of storage space needed, and the associated clutter that storing these materials entails.
Cutting Costs
Educational apps and children’s storybooks located online are considerably cheaper than their paper counterparts, and in many cases may even be free. Web-based materials do not have the associated costs of printing, manufacturing, and transporting, which drastically lowers the prices of these materials. Another benefit of these lower costs is that they are more readily accessible to a greater number of children, parents, and educators as their costs are not prohibitive.
Greater Interaction
Many storybook apps for children are considerably more interactive than traditional ones, which allows for greater flexibility in teaching strategies and usage. Children who are able to engage with the books and materials they are reading tend to retain more information. Additionally, educational apps and resources can be linked to similar and related content, allowing students and readers to develop better interpretation and understanding of linked materials.
Digital educational and children’s books provide interesting ways for parents and children to interact with each other to facilitate the learning process. As more and more schools make the switch to interactive learning for education, younger children will also benefit from being familiar with how to navigate and operate these devices before they ever enter the school setting.
If you are concerned about what your child is accessing online, setting up pages that go directly to children’s storybooks and other educational apps will ensure that they are only visiting appropriate sites, and that they are learning in the process.
Source: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3752572
