iPads replacing books in school now

Looks like the future is e-books now. A school in California, Monte Vista Christian School, has become the first to adopt iPads in the classroom: "At Monte Vista Christian School, history textbooks could soon be a relic of the past. Ditto for tomes on biology and English literature. And spiral-bound notebooks and pens—who needs them?" The iPads were handed out to 60 advanced placement students.

So, heavy and expensive books are out and light iPads and cheap ebooks are in with a lot of interactive features thrown in like looking up the meaning of a word with a click. The headmaster says, “They provide new access to photos, videos, daily newspapers and resource material that enhance the curriculum.”

It sounds supercool the way the school is using it. Biology students can see interactive section diagrams that they can zoom into. Graphs drawn by the teacher on the blackboard can be captured. Lectures can be recorded. Teachers can start a quiz and see responses.

With e-books costing around a third of the print versions, it's easier on the wallets and easier on the environment too without the need of all that paper.

What other ideas do you think will come up for using iPads for education. How would you want to use it in class?

Tags: iPads in Education, e-learning, e-teaching, Apple