7 Considerations Before Switching to Digital Textbooks in your School

Few doubt that school books are an endangered species and that in the coming years eBooks will replace them in all schools. The digitization of heavy textbooks onto a slate or tablet PC device offers more benefits than the orthopedic, and this is coming to the fore thanks to schools leading the way; e.g.: St. Aidan's Primary, Wexford, and St. Coleman's College, Mayo.

Through our relationships with Principals we have found that there is a large variance in the level of confidence in the idea, understanding of how to go about such a change and a general feeling of "Where do I even start?" That is why, with the help of educational e-publisher Folens, we have compiled the following seven key points to consider, to help get you on the right track.

1. Strategy

   Define your immediate and long-term goals; a gradual transition is advisable to give students, teachers and parents time to adapt. Who will the device belong to? Will the school make an initial investment in some devices or will a scheme be offered to parents as an alternative to standard textbooks. E.g.: Offer a hire-purchase scheme to incoming first-year students for an iPad pre-loaded with the curricular books. There are leasing options available to help make improve affordability. Also consider acceptable usage policies.

2. WiFi

   A wireless network is necessary to ensure optimised use of the devices; although once the books have been downloaded using an internet connection, they will be available on the device offline.
   

3. Broadband

   How fast is your broadband? Can it handle multiple devices trying to access the internet at the same time? One of our ICT in Education Experts will be able to assess this for you.
   

4. Device

   Netbook or tablet? Apple or Microsoft? A trial or two might help you decide. Also consider warranty terms and insurance options and how the devices will be securely stored, charged and updated.
   

5. Expertise

   Some technical expertise will be required with the initial roll-out of the devices and teachers will need a small amount of training on the basics. Who do you have on your team with a flair for technology? Maybe someone is already using an iPad at home - could you incentivize them to share their expertise? Could you enroll the help of some tech-savvie students? Our ICT in Education team is also available to provide this expertise.

6. Support

   Do you have an ICT co-ordinator and/or an ICT support contract for technical support? How will technical support for the devices be financed?

7. Leader

   In the success stories we have seen to date, there has always been a strong leader figure pushing forward, communicating to their colleagues, the parents and students, co-ordinating the implementation. Who will it be in your school?

Want more advice like this? Check out Folens' Educational Technology Blog.