[Year 12 IPM] Digital textbooks
Keith Richardson
keithcr at fastmail.fm
Tue Sep 5 18:30:11 EST 2006
Wow, Donna, I love it!
Keith
On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 12:42:29 +1000, "Donna Benjamin" <donna at cc.com.au>
said:
> That's a nice exercise in itself - There is a lot of stuff online now
> thanks to project gutenburg - downloading and formatting it is a good
> way to learn an appreciation for information processing and management,
> and thinking about purpose and audience.
>
> Perhaps a cross-curriculum exercise - download Romeo and Juliet, have
> each student do page layout of a different scene, and write their own
> modern english translation. Perhaps illustrating a key moment of the
> scene with a drawing program, or staging it and filming or photographing
> it... ultimately creating a class edition of the classic for the
> library.
>
> On Tue, 2006-09-05 at 12:05 +1000, Laurie Savage wrote:
> > My own feeling about digital textbooks is pretty simple. If I can't curl
> > up in the hammock under a tree with a beer and read it, then I don't
> > want to know about it!
> >
> > On a slightly more scientific note I worked in Telecom's Market Planning
> > Branch in the 1970s as a Senior Research Officer. We were looking at
> > videophones, textel, teletext etc. and commissioned some work from the
> > sociologist Sol Encel at NSW Uni. He reviewed the literature on the
> > physiology of reading text on video screens and paper and found there is
> > a basis for the fatigue we feel when reading large chunks on screen. It
> > is to do with the on-screen rastering and subsequent decoding of the
> > image in the brain. This process is more energy consuming and uses more
> > parts of the brain than reading non-flickering text on paper. Basically
> > retention rates after reading on-screen material are less than reading
> > paper based text while fatigue rates are higher.
> >
> > As a personal test, go to Project Gutenberg, download your favourite
> > classic and
> > 1) Try reading it on screen,
> > 2) Print it on A4 and read it, and
> > 3) Print it in 10pt Roman on smaller format paper using
> > no more than 65 characters per line.
> >
> > If you are like the rest of us, option 3 is most comfortable. Publishers
> > and print designers have known this for a couple of centuries!
> >
> > Laurie
> >
> > Diane Peat wrote:
> > > Our school introduced the digital textbook a few years ago too. I thought it
> > > would be wonderful - screens with limited text so it was easy for students
> > > (particularly NESBs) to understand, well explained concepts, good
> > > worksheets, etc. It was a total failure - students like something tangible
> > > on which to scribble their own explanations of words comments/theories they
> > > don't understand. I spent the entire year photocopying! Never again. They
> > > are a great resource, but for us, the textbook was much better.
> > >
> > > Diane Peat
> > > Firbank Grammar School
> > > 51 Outer Crescent
> > > BRIGHTON VIC 3186
> > > Telephone 9591 5188
> > > Email dpeat at firbank.vic.edu.au
> > > Web www.firbank.vic.edu.au
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]On
> > > Behalf Of Jim Bunn
> > > Sent: Tuesday, 5 September 2006 9:58 AM
> > > To: 'Year 12 Information Technology Processing and
> > > ManagementTeachers'Mailing List'
> > > Subject: RE: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> > >
> > > We did that here as well, and had to endure it for three years, because at
> > > our school, once you introduce a new textbook you can't change it for three
> > > years (unless the study design changes). Our kids much prefer a real
> > > textbook, as do I.
> > >
> > > Jim
> > >
> > >
> > > Jim Bunn
> > > CCNA CCAI ITE1
> > > Technology Coordinator
> > > Hampton Park Secondary College
> > > Victoria Australia
> > > 8795 9400
> > >
> > > bunn.jim.c at edumail.vic.gov.au
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au] On
> > > Behalf Of Keith Richardson
> > > Sent: Monday, 4 September 2006 6:08 PM
> > > To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> > > Teachers'Mailing List
> > > Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> > >
> > > we did that for one year in IP&M and the kids hated it (and they are
> > > very computer literate - long live paper!
> > > Keith
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:26:14 +1000, "Sam Denniston"
> > > <samdenniston at iprimus.com.au> said:
> > >>
> > >> I can think of no greater torture than being forced to navigate through
> > >> and
> > >> read a textbook on a laptop.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> On 4/9/06 3:18 PM, "Mark Scott" <msc at staff.luther.vic.edu.au> wrote:
> > >>
> > >>> Royce
> > >>>
> > >>> In the words of the immortal Billy S
> > >>>
> > >>> ³Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
> > >>> Or close the wall up with our English dead.
> > >>> In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
> > >>> As modest stillness and humility;
> > >>> But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
> > >>> Then imitate the action of the tiger:
> > >>> Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.²
> > >>>
> > >>> To be short, you have no idea what you are talking about.
> > >>>
> > >>> They said the same thing about calculators back in the early seventies.
> > >>>
> > >>> Cordially yours
> > >>> Mark Scott
> > >>> Luther College
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> -----Original Message-----
> > >>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> > > On
> > >>> Behalf Of Royce Williams
> > >>> Sent: Monday, 4 September 2006 2:51 PM
> > >>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> > >>> Teachers'MailingList
> > >>> Subject: RE: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> > >>>
> > >>> Where to start
> > >>>
> > >>> The theory that every student should own and bring to class a laptop is
> > > of
> > >>> course one of the biggest educationalist crap shoots ever. With changes
> > > in the
> > >>> Internet / increased home ownership of computers /increased home
> > > broadband
> > >>> /USB memory down to 59$ per gig /pod casting/ VCE and drafting ...
> > > Remember
> > >>> that ... I think student carried lippies should be well dead by now.
> > >>>
> > >>> However Pods ?COWs individual laptops taken into classes is very valid.
> > >>> Particularly in science .. Which not only has specialist rooms but have
> > > a huge
> > >>> amount of simulation and other programs that can be used.
> > >>>
> > >>> We have for student use here about 150 laptops that can be borrowed by
> > > classes
> > >>> and individually. We don't use trolleys here due to physical layout of
> > > school.
> > >>> But bringing technology to students is better than making them lockstep
> > > to a
> > >>> "special" room .. Not withstanding that we have specialist computer
> > > areas
> > >>> (music/multimedia/art) and two full size computer rooms for when they
> > > are
> > >>> appropriate.
> > >>>
> > >>> Laptops do cost more than equivalent desktops because of more expensive
> > > PSU's
> > >>> / batteries and LCD screens .. Tho the difference is rapidly falling.
> > > However
> > >>> you also need a better constructed laptop to survive the rigours of
> > > school
> > >>> life than you do a desk top. So hopping to get several years out of a
> > > sub
> > >>> $1000 laptop is a forlorn hope.
> > >>> E.G. you might run DELL or Acer in your labs but you need the IBM or HP
> > > in
> > >>> your laptops.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Here students are not allowed in Computer rooms without supervision (in
> > >>> theory) .. In Middle school it leads off the Library .. No problems ..
> > > But
> > >>> senior school is really a problem with damage .. I need to put a teacher
> > > on a
> > >>> couch in there ... Rofl.
> > >>> However there are 12 computers in the senior Library for student use as
> > > well.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Royce Williams
> > >>> Manager Information Technology
> > >>> Billanook College
> > >>> 197-199 Cardigan Rd
> > >>> Mooroolbark 3138
> > >>> Victoria Australia
> > >>> Tel: 61-3-9725 5388; Fax: 61-3-9725 8556
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> -----Original Message-----
> > >>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> > > On
> > >>> Behalf Of Cameron
> > >>> Sent: Friday, 1 September 2006 10:22 AM
> > >>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> > > Teachers'Mailing
> > >>> List
> > >>> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Apologies if this appears more than once - forgot to change identity.
> > > :(
> > >>> Let me say that Laptop computers are not a fad. Once seen as a way that
> > >>> private schools could "show off", they are now very mainstream in
> > > schools,
> > >>> business and homes. Laptops are a superb solution to mobility and "where
> > > are
> > >>> we going to fit in some more computers?". They have a role to play where
> > >>> appropriate.
> > >>> I would give my right arm for the ability of my Science classes to be
> > > able to
> > >>> wheel in a set of notebooks to record prac results and create reports in
> > > real
> > >>> time *in the lab*.
> > >>> Each of our Yr 7 classes have their own trolley of 12 notebooks (1
> > > between 2
> > >>> model) that they take to each class. They are responsible for their own
> > >>> trolley which has helped reduce damage as they have a sense of
> > > ownership. The
> > >>> notebooks have helped many teachers transform the way they teach. Having
> > >>> immediate access to the technology without need to organise room-swaps
> > > or
> > >>> book computer rooms allows teachers to teach and students to learn "on
> > > the
> > >>> fly" if needed. You don't need to plan to have "a computer lesson", you
> > > just
> > >>> integrate the ICT as needed. The change we have seen in just 8 months is
> > >>> astounding.
> > >>> As mentioned the "bang for your buck" works out well in favour of
> > > desktops,
> > >>> but only if you think in terms of hardware costs. I would place a great
> > > deal
> > >>> more weight on "educational bang for your buck" when considering between
> > > the
> > >>> two and notebooks rapidly catch or even surpass desktops when that is
> > >>> factored in.
> > >>> Given the amount of use the laptops have had, they are holding up
> > > remarkably
> > >>> well. We have had one badly damaged case that will cost in the region of
> > > $800
> > >>> to repair. OUCH! - may as well buy a new one. We have had a bit of
> > > trouble
> > >>> with some keys being removed, but when you think of the amount of time
> > > they
> > >>> are used for, it isn't too bad.
> > >>>
> > >>> We are probably looking at a bit of both. We are having trouble deciding
> > > where
> > >>> we can store the trolleys securely and at the same time, where we can
> > > fit in
> > >>> more desktops. It is great to have the technology out of sight until you
> > > need
> > >>> it and then you can place it on the same desks without the need for
> > >>> additional furniture or desks.
> > >>>
> > >>> If it is foreseen that students will one day have their own personal
> > > computers
> > >>> in whatever form they may take, we may as well start now and develop
> > > teaching
> > >>> methods and courses that use the current mobile technology. I believe a
> > >>> graduated development of teaching pedagogy will be more useful than
> > > waiting
> > >>> and trying to shift over to a new style once it has been deemed that
> > > enough
> > >>> students have access to make it worthwhile.
> > >>>
> > >>> Cheers
> > >>> Cameron
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> On Thursday 31 August 2006 20:12, Stephen Digby wrote:
> > >>>>> Just got a single notebook trolley with 10 ACERs much against my
> > >>>>> recomendation. Hope that the machines last..... In the past, I have
> > >>>>> had bad experience with notebooks in classrooms - more than twice the
> > >>>>> price (esp. including more frequent amd much more expensive repairs);
> > >>>>> last less than half service life (include downtime); less classroom
> > >>>>> efficiency for teacher (get trolley, supervise handout, supervise
> > > use,
> > >>>>> wait till students start them up, supercvise return to trolley c
> > >>>>> correct connections to chargers; return trolley and plug in)
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> Think that this is a very temporary fad until students all have
> > >>>>> "personal" computers as seamlessly as they have phones.....
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >> ===========================================================================
> > >>>>> = ==========
> > >>>>> Stephen Digby, Learning Technology Manager
> > >>>>> mailto:admin at cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> > >>>>> Cheltenham Secondary College www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> > >>>>> <http://www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au/> Ph: 613 955 55 955 Fx: 9555 8617
> > >>>>>
> > > ===========================================================================
> > >>>>> = ==========
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.
> > >>>>> Albert Einstein
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> _____
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au
> > > [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> > >>>>> On Behalf Of Robert Minato
> > >>>>> Sent: 31 August 2006 03:37 PM
> > >>>>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> > >>>>> Teachers'Mailing List
> > >>>>> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> Our school does not let students into computer rooms unless under
> > >>>>> teacher supervision. We have three computer classrooms and another
> > >>>>> computer room attached to the library. Students are allowed to use
> > >>>>> library computers whenever library is open.
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> We have recently gone down the path of setting up three cows
> > >>>>> (computers on wheels). The library staff take bookings for these
> > >>>>> laptop trolleys; nine laptops per trolley. Teachers book the cows and
> > >>>>> can use them in any classroom. The advantage I have found with the
> > >>>>> cows is that you can sometimes just book one cow as not all students
> > >>>>> need a computer at the same time; ie others are doing prac tasks.
> > >>> On Thursday 31 August 2006 20:12, Stephen Digby wrote:
> > >>>>> Just got a single notebook trolley with 10 ACERs much against my
> > >>>>> recomendation. Hope that the machines last..... In the past, I have
> > >>>>> had bad experience with notebooks in classrooms - more than twice the
> > >>>>> price (esp. including more frequent amd much more expensive repairs);
> > >>>>> last less than half service life (include downtime); less classroom
> > >>>>> efficiency for teacher (get trolley, supervise handout, supervise
> > > use,
> > >>>>> wait till students start them up, supercvise return to trolley c
> > >>>>> correct connections to chargers; return trolley and plug in)
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> Think that this is a very temporary fad until students all have
> > >>>>> "personal" computers as seamlessly as they have phones.....
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >> ===========================================================================
> > >>>>> = ==========
> > >>>>> Stephen Digby, Learning Technology Manager
> > >>>>> mailto:admin at cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> > >>>>> Cheltenham Secondary College www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au
> > >>>>> <http://www.cheltsec.vic.edu.au/> Ph: 613 955 55 955 Fx: 9555 8617
> > >>>>>
> > > ===========================================================================
> > >>>>> = ==========
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.
> > >>>>> Albert Einstein
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> _____
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> From: ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au
> > > [mailto:ipm-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> > >>>>> On Behalf Of Robert Minato
> > >>>>> Sent: 31 August 2006 03:37 PM
> > >>>>> To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management
> > >>>>> Teachers'Mailing List
> > >>>>> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IPM] Computer Lab usage
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> Our school does not let students into computer rooms unless under
> > >>>>> teacher supervision. We have three computer classrooms and another
> > >>>>> computer room attached to the library. Students are allowed to use
> > >>>>> library computers whenever library is open.
> > >>>>>
> > >>>>> We have recently gone down the path of setting up three cows
> > >>>>> (computers on wheels). The library staff take bookings for these
> > >>>>> laptop trolleys; nine laptops per trolley. Teachers book the cows and
> > >>>>> can use them in any classroom. The advantage I have found with the
> > >>>>> cows is that you can sometimes just book one cow as not all students
> > >>>>> need a computer at the same time; ie others are doing prac tasks.
> > >>> _______________________________________________
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> > >>> Curriculum and Assessment Authority and http://www.vitta.org.au - VITTA
> > >>> Victorian Information Technology Teachers Association Inc
> > >>>
> > >>> _______________________________________________
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> > >>
> > > Keith Richardson
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
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> --
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> http://www.creativecontingencies.com/
> ph +61 3 9326 9985 | mob +61 418 310 414
> research - facilitation - web development
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