I recently read an article about the prospect of Ebooks replacing textbooks in the classroom. I remembered instantly what a pain it was (literally) to lug a huge book sack over stuffed with high school curriculum to and from school everyday. You remember that picture, Literature, Arithmetic, Science and Social Studies busting at the seams, day in and day out. Just imagine what it would be like to have all of that knowledge at your fingertips in an instant on an Ereader device. I suppose it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise to me. As a teacher I’ve seen technology pave its way slowly, yet consistently into the nooks and crannies of our schools over the past several decades. Video projectors were first replaced by VCR’s and finally DVD players. Those green grading books became networked programs through out a state wide system. Instead of scratching numbers into a tiny box, teachers plunk them into a computer database and export them. Chalkboards have become whiteboards, overhead projector images are now on power point, students demonstrate oral report presentations using Video Maker and the old musty Apple computer lab in the back of the school has transformed into a portable Del laptop laboratory.
Has all of this changed how kids have learned in the classroom? You bet it has. It has engaged them deeper in the learning process, furthering their understanding of the curriculum. So, what does the emergence of Ebooks equal in equation? More kids reading? I think this is the case. Children in today’s world are entirely tuned in to technology. They have cell phones, Ipods, laptop computers, Zunes, Wii, Xbox, accounts on Facebook… you get the drift. When you really think about it, if you want to encourage a child to read into today’s society it almost sounds crazy to consider handing them a book. You might as well hand them an old forty – five record instead of their beloved Ipods or a VHS video tape in lieu of a DVD. The reality is traditional books may become obsolete sooner than we believe.
What does this mean for the writing industry? More importantly, what does this mean for indie authors? I believe a Golden Era may be on the approach. What do you think? Please interject your thoughts. I would love to hear your opinion.
Yours truly,
Amy
A few years ago I wrote an unpublished sci-fi, and in it, the characters used reader tablets. I thought I was so clever. :) Then the Kindle and Nook became popular. I really think it's the way of the future. It's eco-friendly, it's helpful to students who don't have to lug around backpacks weighed down with books. It just seems like a win/win for everyone. I don't have an ereader, but that's mostly because my husband hasn't caught the vision yet. :)
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I think it's difficult to make something like an ereader mandatory in a classroom because not everyone can afford something like that. And that kind of technology is way too expensive to hand out to students for free.
As far as for authors, mainly Indie authors, I think it's great! It's easier than ever to publish works as ebooks and reach readers. Huzzah!
So interesting! I think it's a great idea. It does make me wonder though what will happen with the publishing industry. I submitted a YA Fantasy to several publishers this year and I think about 25% of the ones I'd been interested in last year had gone out of business. Granted they were smaller publishers, but that's crazy none-the-less.
ReplyDeleteI'm following from Book Blogs.
ecwrites.blogspot.com
A Golden Era in the sense of a more accessible and democratic time for authors: yes, certainly. But that does mean it becomes harder to be noticed in the crowd. With Indie E-publishing the winners will be those with the best marketing skills and ideas, and not necessarily those who are the superb writers.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it, just pointing out that there are swings and roundabouts... Publishing is tough, however you look at it.
Found you on BookBlogs, and following.
Elizabeth, I think we have traveled down the same path and I hear you loud and clear. Of course, I think some of the demise of said publishers can solely be blamed on the state of our present economy. The little guys just aren't cutting it. It's so sad.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts,
Amy
Deborah, I too am struggling with the dilemma of how we will get ereaders in students hands. They are very expensive and as a teacher I am all too aware of the fact that kids do not always respect personal items that do not belong to them. Having said that, the average cost of one text book these days is about $60.00 and the average student is lugging around and average number of 6 textbooks (that's $360.00, which is more than the cost of an ereader).
ReplyDeleteI also understand your point about marketability for indie authors. The fact of the matter is, it's going to happen. I suppose my hopeful rationale to the inevitability is the idea that good writers will make their way into the mix. Can you honestly say that the traditional publishing industry is solely focused on quality writing or are they just trying to make a buck? I think you're right, but at least the indie author stills has a chance at finding a find base if he or she is willing to work for it.
I am having a hard time embracing e-books, solely because of the romantic ideas that I have about books in general....I am completely enamored with them, the way the look, feel, and smell. Of course this generation is totally the tech generation. My daughter reads books on her iPhone! I know that I will eventually have to get with the times, I just wrote a blog about being torn about ebooks and readers yesterday!
ReplyDeleteI will come around, I'm sure of it. I certainly appreciate the "green" aspect of ebooks and readers...it's undeniable, even for a sappy physical book lover like me!
Stacey, I completely sympathize. It took some time for me to come around to the idea of the ereader too, but when I finally got one I fell in love with it. When you finish a book you can instantly download another (no trip to the bookstore). Additionally, you are privy to more variety and authors. Indie writing does not exist in traditional publishing. It's a whole new world. Having said that, I still own stacks and shelves full of my old hard copies and paperbacks. I just can't part with them. Thanks for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAmy