Most are familiar with the Kindle; certainly, the majority has heard of the iPad, and maybe there are even those more familiar with the Nook. If you are not, these are all varieties (on one level or another) of e-readers (electronic books). But, have you heard of the Kno Tablet? This new technology promises to revolutionize the textbook market. According to article “Can the Kno Tablet Make the E-Textbook Grade?” by Audrey Walters on readwriteweb.com, this version is an educational tablet. According to Ms. Walters, for under $1000 the academic world will have access to a tool to change the face of the traditional textbook. In the article, the developers promise that the savings from purchasing traditional textbooks will enable this device to pay for itself in just three years. Interested? The perks continue! Although, digital textbooks are currently available for some texts, this one stands out from the others on several levels. Some of the additional benefits are as follows: the tablet will have a 6-hour battery life, allowing extended class use without an outlet; it will collaborate with various school learning systems; it will be able to deliver course content; and it will have social networking capabilities. As a non-traditional student, I may continue to use the paper versions of my textbooks, but I can only imagine how this will alter my daughter’s education. Wait, before you run out to purchase one, it will not be available until December 20, and it still has its share of challenges ahead of it. After all, It may readily appeal to students, but the target group has to include parents, teachers, and administration, and we all know how much that entails.
Textbooks are fading away and so are many other traditional techniques in the classroom. I don’t think the Kno Tablet will have any problem being implemented into mainstream education, expect for the initial price. Technology is driving everything we do inside and outside the classroom. This may be the next new thing that all school systems go out and buy so that we can compete in a global society. With the 6 hour battery life and social networking capabilities, this resource may especially be a good investment for cyber-schools and other online classes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa for this article review. I am really intrigued this text book option for colleges. College text books are more expensive than they are for the lower grades, and I think it would be ideal for those of us in online courses. It would certainly be wonderful for those students that wait until the last minute to get their needed supplies, or when they are notified late of what they need or of any changes. It would also be an ingenious way for colleges to potentially keep more dollars vs. that money going to off-site resale stores (because the device links the students to other college networks and resources). Thank you again. I will keep my eyes and ears open for updates regarding this one.
ReplyDeleteLisa W