Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just order iPads or
some other device with all the interactive texts and curricular materials we
wanted for our students? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this was possible for
schools and that they could afford whatever it cost? Even if the funding is
there, most of the time schools can’t just call up a publisher’s rep, find out
what’s available and order. Let’s say you want to change your elementary
reading program, but most of what you’ll find online is meant to enhance your
program, give additional practice to students who need it, and/or enrich the
program for advanced students. The problem is: Where’s the core program? Do you
have to use your old texts or have the teachers create their own online
courses?
Although, some teachers are adept at creating outstanding
courses using free online resources, many need the school system to supply a
text, an online program, and/or materials for teaching. Because of funding
difficulties, some schools have decided that the best path to follow is to continue
to use old textbooks, even it they have to be rebound. This approach saves
money while allowing teachers to branch out from the texts to online learning
and apps that are free or very low cost. It also gives those extending the life
of old texts more time to make decisions about directions for the future.
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