The Illinois middle school librarian, Kathy Parker's pilot program introducing Kindles to 7th and 8th graders was successful because she found a way to incorporate technology and great books! The SLJ article Librarian brings Kindles into the classroom (5/1/2010) describes ideas which could be used with any e-reader and potentially with upper elementary to high school students. I am hoping to to create just as much enthusiasm and interest in my high school with a similar program because I believe e-readers do encourage student readers, especially reluctant readers to read. I wish the article went a little further--sharing some of her experience addressing the challenges of making these programs work in schools--e-reader policies related to book accounts; uploading, theft and lost of devices, etc. However, I could "tweet" Ms. Parker to get a conversation going which might answer some of these questions since the author made a point of including her Twitter name. The price of e-readers is "coming down" so this is a wonderful project to begin with a relatively small amount of funds. :)
Kim, I also am interested to see what schools are going to do with Kindles. I heard the new magnet elementary school will have a few Kindles or Nooks. I own a Nook Color, my first e-reader. I'm getting used to the idea that when I buy a book, I can't actually see if on a shelf or hold it in my hands. It's weird to pay up to $14.00 for something you can't really "see". I'm struggling with that.
ReplyDeleteI'll really like to see how state/county policies will affect Kindle use. Currently I can't see myself ever letting any of our students take an e-reader home. MANY of our students have trouble keeping track of books and most don't have the resources to pay for the lost ones. How will we enables kids from these families take home an e-reader? Even if I provide access to online books, many of my students do not have access to the internet in their homes. The digital divide is huge and needs to be part of our conversation about electronic tools.
Thanks for your comments. I agree with your thoughts about Kindle policies and the digital dividl.
ReplyDelete