Yes, as stated in chapter 9, "50% of the a first year student learned (from a textbook) would either be wrong or irrelevant by the end of 5 years". A curriculum guide is definitely needed but our world is changing to quickly for the lengthy process of written textbooks. I also think that if we are going to embrace creativity and innovation in children, then traditional textbooks won't be needed as children will be exploring and creating their own form of a textbook.
As we know them, textbooks are constantly being updated or a new edition comes out. Having a digital version would make access to the material more accessible. But, I agree with you in your statement that, "if we are going to embrace creativity and innovation in children, then traditional textbooks won't be needed as children will be exploring and creating their own form of a textbook." Not only would they be researching, but they would be finding information which is relevant to them and creating a resource for others. This is exactly what Common Core is about. They are also making personal connections with the material.
Jennifer, while that statement might be true for a medical student (highly specialized) I don't think that the basic information our students need to learn changes that quickly.
I'm not sure I feel like the basic information changes quickly - but I do think they way we as educators are expected to teach it does...so textbooks provide the backbone, as does a curriculum guide. Which one is more cost effective and adaptable?
I agree that the basic information doesn't change quickly and that the textbooks provide a good backbone. Best practice would say that we should be incorporating other ideas and providing supplemental information to go with those textbooks, right?
I don't know if textbooks are becoming obsolete so much as the way we use them is. In addition to textbooks, we seek to provide supplemental materials outside of textbooks. We also have textbooks which are digital. However, more and more teachers are scanning the material they wish to cover and either creating a PDF or digital file so that students do not have to carry the textbook, nor do they have the excuse of not having the material. I enjoy the use of supplemental materials, but there will always be some set of materials that a teacher uses which will be the base of their instruction. That is the purpose of textbooks. While we may not have a 500 page book to service us, the idea of the main group of materials will still be here.
Our school has a Chrome book initiative where each student 7-12 has a Chrome book. Believe me, they show up to class with the material (i.e. Chromebook) or it is not charged or they've damaged it in some way and can't use it.
Karen- I see the same things in some of my districts. Another problem we've run into is that some of the kiddos don't have access to internet to do their homework once they leave school, so we're trying to find time during the day when they can finish up assignments.
Yes, textbooks are becoming obsolete! Ease of access to information through the internet has caused textbook publishers great discomfort. Textbooks are pricey and the internet is practically free. I support students in a class that does not have a textbook. Curriculum goals are met entirely online, with videos, labs, and a host of other activities.
I am really impressed that you have a teacher that utilizes online sources, for what it sounds like everything that they need. What class subject are they teaching?....There is a vast never ending amount of information and resources on the internet. It just takes (at least for me) the right kind of sites to find what I need. I'm very critical or picky of what I'm specifically needing for my students.
Sounds like I'm the "odd man out" here, but I don't think textbooks are becoming obsolete. A good textbook should have some timeless information in it about Math, Science, English. History doesn't change....except for what has happened in the last few years and that can be easily added. The core precepts of Math, Science and English don't change. The pictures or stories might be old fashioned or out of date. I think that a combination of books and technology AND hands on learning is a great way for kiddos to learn. Long before anyone ever thought about laptops great teachers incorporated outside sources and hands on learning in their classrooms. Our school uses a great deal of technology and the English and math books are on the Chrome books. But there has been many problems with students and computers. There is just something about holding a book in your hands......
You make a good point Karen. To play devil's advocate, what constitutes a good textbook? I remember hating to read the history textbooks but the History channel and PBS have had interesting shows about different history aspects. For example, the use of areal photographs during WWII and how without them, the Allies probably would not have beat the Germans. I don't remember ever reading about that. But I did like that you mentioned using ALL your resources, not just textbooks to teach. Bring in those resources like PBS and the History Channel. I think it'll be huge to integrate all subjects in an interest of the students. The more I read, the more I see a little bit of what Montessori was talking about in her philosophy of teaching. The students work on the skills they are developmentally appropriate for them with guidance from the teachers and within their interests.
:) - I think for years many (not all) teachers have used a variety of resources to supplement textbooks: news articles, History channel, PBS, people who lived/worked/fought during World War II (for example). Unfortunately no piece of information (textbook or internet source) will have the complete story.... ;)
Yes and no. Due to past budget restraints replacing textbooks was not always financially feasible. Also with the Internet/World Wide Web the knowledge base constantly changing and/or expanding, I am not sure textbook companies can even keep with that! I think there is a place in the classroom for textbooks but teachers should have a "library" of supplemental texts in addition to textbooks. I know of classes that do not have any textbooks at all and function just fine without them. Of course they use other things to teach their curriculum, that is the key. If the objective can be met with textbooks then good but teachers should not limit their source of information to only textbooks. I know textbooks companies are adapting and going as much online as possible to meet the needs of schools today. There may be a time in the near future when the only textbooks in schools are outdated ones (remember encyclopedias?). If that is the case then we will see much more technology in the classroom. And as fast as technology changes and how things seem to quickly become outdated, I wonder if it will be any cheaper for both districts and textbook companies to keep up with that any better than they were able to keep up with updated textbooks? There are alot of sources out there for teachers and classrooms, being open and adaptable to change is very important in today's world, both in and out of school- which is the point of this book, right?
I believe textbooks are becoming obsolete. With all the advances in technology, the physical textbook will slowly fade out. Also, if schools are becoming more innovative, students are going to learn through experiences and their interests versus the interests of the teachers. This means they will find their information from other books and the internet. For the elementary level, Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers is a great resource for creating activities for various skills, even for units going along with picture books. It'll will be interesting to see what happens to the textbook companies in the next 5-10 years.
It will be interesting to see how the textbook companies change over the next few years. In my elementary, the most used textbook is the reading series. Most of the teachers are not using a textbook for math.
Textbooks are becoming used less, and teachers are relying on other resources like the internet. Both textbooks and most internet resources do cost money. Textbooks do cost more than internet resources but you have to look carefully on the internet to find what you specifically are looking for. Websites with free worksheets are good sites to help with reinforcement of curriculum of the core subjects. Bottom line, whether its textbook companies or internet sites they are looking to make money and say that they make the better product.
I see a combination of textbooks, printed materials, and software being used in my district. Teachers are definitely using more resources from the internet. I have two children in college right now and still having to purchase textbooks. Many of the textbooks come with ecard access codes for homework and tests. At the high school in my district, many classes utilize computer software. The cost of the software is then transferred to the students in which there is a software fee to pay at the beginning of the year. I think in the years to come, the hardbound textbooks will become obsolete.
I think you are right about hardbound textbooks. I prefer to have a bound textbook when I study or take classes, but it doesn't matter to students today. They will read and learn from whatever material they are given.
I have had a discussion similar to this one with some of my students about books. One felt strongly that having a physical book in your hands was important, while the other felt that it was the idea of reading a book that was important – it didn’t matter if the book was online, printed out from the printer, on an e-reader, or a bound book.
I think with text books, it gets into more gray area. Some text books can’t keep up with the growth and spread of knowledge, so they are obsolete before they are even printed. Some teachers do a tremendous job of finding activities and information from the internet and other sources that having a text book isn’t necessary. Another point to consider is online textbooks. If the school can (or is willing to) only purchase a site license, students can access the book online without lugging a book home. Some texts provide the site license with the purchase of the textbook. What I’ve seen from my high school students is that they rarely use the printed textbooks in this case; they use the online version at least 90% of the time. One concern with online textbooks is how students access them outside of school. Some students have internet at home or go to a library, but not all students have those options.
Yes text books and I fear human teachers are becoming obsolete. Just look at all the online offerings to educate kids (like Khan Academy) that isn't a human teacher at all and as an example, I am in a classroom where the students are being directly remediated with Khan and no textbook at all. Anytime a student is stuck on something, we adults teach that concept and then away they go to work on it again in Khan.
When I talk with people who teach in the online schools, they don't see the elimination of human interaction in the future. They say students will always need someone knowledgeable to help guide them through the material, find more resources, and answers to their questions.
I think that it will depend on the school and the subject matter whether the textbook will become obsolete. Some content area will continue to need textbooks as the backbone of the curriculum. I think it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.
I think there will be value in curriculum guides, but there are so many resources available online that offer a wider perspective, I think texts will eventually phase out. Several content area classes with texts now, seldom use them, accessing them only as a reference guide for some topics. One building is piloting a math series, with no texts for students.
I think so, kind of slowly, but surely I guess. It seems like I’m hearing more and more about different districts that have decided to provide their students with laptops, chromebooks, etc. and distribute all of their material that way. Also, in college, you can download the online version of most textbooks, which is more cost effective (And convenient in my mind), so I feel like a lot of students are probably taking advantage of that option.
I feel textbooks are obsolete! Most of the time is information on the web that suggest the same idea. In fact one of my paras is taking education classes through FHSU and all of her books are digital now and no more ordering of textbooks. That hit me as I still like a hard copy of my book to reference to, highlight, bookmark good ideas or whatever. I have heard of many teachers because of budget crunches pulling resources from the internet to teach a concept because books are not being ordered and their books do not teach what needs to be taught. I feel there will always be textbooks but there will be some form of digital to choose from as well.
In Scott City they have done away with some of the text books at the high school and since they have the one to one initiative with iPad students had to download their text books on there. Also with the use of technology taking a big part in how we teach and present things to kids through the use of YouTube and many other web pages why pay the big prices that companies want for the paper version?
Yes, as stated in chapter 9, "50% of the a first year student learned (from a textbook) would either be wrong or irrelevant by the end of 5 years". A curriculum guide is definitely needed but our world is changing to quickly for the lengthy process of written textbooks. I also think that if we are going to embrace creativity and innovation in children, then traditional textbooks won't be needed as children will be exploring and creating their own form of a textbook.
ReplyDeleteAs we know them, textbooks are constantly being updated or a new edition comes out. Having a digital version would make access to the material more accessible. But, I agree with you in your statement that, "if we are going to embrace creativity and innovation in children, then traditional textbooks won't be needed as children will be exploring and creating their own form of a textbook." Not only would they be researching, but they would be finding information which is relevant to them and creating a resource for others. This is exactly what Common Core is about. They are also making personal connections with the material.
DeleteI agree, curriculum guides are important. Most textbooks don’t follow local curriculum guides exactly and must supplemented with other materials.
DeleteJennifer, while that statement might be true for a medical student (highly specialized) I don't think that the basic information our students need to learn changes that quickly.
DeleteI'm not sure I feel like the basic information changes quickly - but I do think they way we as educators are expected to teach it does...so textbooks provide the backbone, as does a curriculum guide. Which one is more cost effective and adaptable?
DeleteI agree that the basic information doesn't change quickly and that the textbooks provide a good backbone. Best practice would say that we should be incorporating other ideas and providing supplemental information to go with those textbooks, right?
DeleteI think incorporation of other sources should go along with the textbook not solely rely on the textbook.
DeleteI don't know if textbooks are becoming obsolete so much as the way we use them is. In addition to textbooks, we seek to provide supplemental materials outside of textbooks. We also have textbooks which are digital. However, more and more teachers are scanning the material they wish to cover and either creating a PDF or digital file so that students do not have to carry the textbook, nor do they have the excuse of not having the material. I enjoy the use of supplemental materials, but there will always be some set of materials that a teacher uses which will be the base of their instruction. That is the purpose of textbooks. While we may not have a 500 page book to service us, the idea of the main group of materials will still be here.
ReplyDeleteOur school has a Chrome book initiative where each student 7-12 has a Chrome book. Believe me, they show up to class with the material (i.e. Chromebook) or it is not charged or they've damaged it in some way and can't use it.
DeleteKaren-
DeleteI see the same things in some of my districts. Another problem we've run into is that some of the kiddos don't have access to internet to do their homework once they leave school, so we're trying to find time during the day when they can finish up assignments.
Yes, textbooks are becoming obsolete! Ease of access to information through the internet has caused textbook publishers great discomfort. Textbooks are pricey and the internet is practically free. I support students in a class that does not have a textbook. Curriculum goals are met entirely online, with videos, labs, and a host of other activities.
ReplyDeleteI am really impressed that you have a teacher that utilizes online sources, for what it sounds like everything that they need. What class subject are they teaching?....There is a vast never ending amount of information and resources on the internet. It just takes (at least for me) the right kind of sites to find what I need. I'm very critical or picky of what I'm specifically needing for my students.
DeleteSounds like I'm the "odd man out" here, but I don't think textbooks are becoming obsolete. A good textbook should have some timeless information in it about Math, Science, English. History doesn't change....except for what has happened in the last few years and that can be easily added. The core precepts of Math, Science and English don't change. The pictures or stories might be old fashioned or out of date.
ReplyDeleteI think that a combination of books and technology AND hands on learning is a great way for kiddos to learn. Long before anyone ever thought about laptops great teachers incorporated outside sources and hands on learning in their classrooms.
Our school uses a great deal of technology and the English and math books are on the Chrome books. But there has been many problems with students and computers.
There is just something about holding a book in your hands......
You make a good point Karen. To play devil's advocate, what constitutes a good textbook? I remember hating to read the history textbooks but the History channel and PBS have had interesting shows about different history aspects. For example, the use of areal photographs during WWII and how without them, the Allies probably would not have beat the Germans. I don't remember ever reading about that. But I did like that you mentioned using ALL your resources, not just textbooks to teach. Bring in those resources like PBS and the History Channel. I think it'll be huge to integrate all subjects in an interest of the students. The more I read, the more I see a little bit of what Montessori was talking about in her philosophy of teaching. The students work on the skills they are developmentally appropriate for them with guidance from the teachers and within their interests.
Delete:) - I think for years many (not all) teachers have used a variety of resources to supplement textbooks: news articles, History channel, PBS, people who lived/worked/fought during World War II (for example). Unfortunately no piece of information (textbook or internet source) will have the complete story.... ;)
DeleteYes and no. Due to past budget restraints replacing textbooks was not always financially feasible. Also with the Internet/World Wide Web the knowledge base constantly changing and/or expanding, I am not sure textbook companies can even keep with that! I think there is a place in the classroom for textbooks but teachers should have a "library" of supplemental texts in addition to textbooks. I know of classes that do not have any textbooks at all and function just fine without them. Of course they use other things to teach their curriculum, that is the key. If the objective can be met with textbooks then good but teachers should not limit their source of information to only textbooks. I know textbooks companies are adapting and going as much online as possible to meet the needs of schools today. There may be a time in the near future when the only textbooks in schools are outdated ones (remember encyclopedias?). If that is the case then we will see much more technology in the classroom. And as fast as technology changes and how things seem to quickly become outdated, I wonder if it will be any cheaper for both districts and textbook companies to keep up with that any better than they were able to keep up with updated textbooks? There are alot of sources out there for teachers and classrooms, being open and adaptable to change is very important in today's world, both in and out of school- which is the point of this book, right?
ReplyDeleteI believe textbooks are becoming obsolete. With all the advances in technology, the physical textbook will slowly fade out. Also, if schools are becoming more innovative, students are going to learn through experiences and their interests versus the interests of the teachers. This means they will find their information from other books and the internet. For the elementary level, Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers is a great resource for creating activities for various skills, even for units going along with picture books. It'll will be interesting to see what happens to the textbook companies in the next 5-10 years.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see how the textbook companies change over the next few years. In my elementary, the most used textbook is the reading series. Most of the teachers are not using a textbook for math.
DeleteTextbooks are becoming used less, and teachers are relying on other resources like the internet. Both textbooks and most internet resources do cost money. Textbooks do cost more than internet resources but you have to look carefully on the internet to find what you specifically are looking for. Websites with free worksheets are good sites to help with reinforcement of curriculum of the core subjects. Bottom line, whether its textbook companies or internet sites they are looking to make money and say that they make the better product.
ReplyDeleteI see a combination of textbooks, printed materials, and software being used in my district. Teachers are definitely using more resources from the internet. I have two children in college right now and still having to purchase textbooks. Many of the textbooks come with ecard access codes for homework and tests. At the high school in my district, many classes utilize computer software. The cost of the software is then transferred to the students in which there is a software fee to pay at the beginning of the year. I think in the years to come, the hardbound textbooks will become obsolete.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about hardbound textbooks. I prefer to have a bound textbook when I study or take classes, but it doesn't matter to students today. They will read and learn from whatever material they are given.
DeleteI have had a discussion similar to this one with some of my students about books. One felt strongly that having a physical book in your hands was important, while the other felt that it was the idea of reading a book that was important – it didn’t matter if the book was online, printed out from the printer, on an e-reader, or a bound book.
ReplyDeleteI think with text books, it gets into more gray area. Some text books can’t keep up with the growth and spread of knowledge, so they are obsolete before they are even printed. Some teachers do a tremendous job of finding activities and information from the internet and other sources that having a text book isn’t necessary. Another point to consider is online textbooks. If the school can (or is willing to) only purchase a site license, students can access the book online without lugging a book home. Some texts provide the site license with the purchase of the textbook. What I’ve seen from my high school students is that they rarely use the printed textbooks in this case; they use the online version at least 90% of the time. One concern with online textbooks is how students access them outside of school. Some students have internet at home or go to a library, but not all students have those options.
Fahrenheit 451 comes to mind.....
DeleteYes text books and I fear human teachers are becoming obsolete. Just look at all the online offerings to educate kids (like Khan Academy) that isn't a human teacher at all and as an example, I am in a classroom where the students are being directly remediated with Khan and no textbook at all. Anytime a student is stuck on something, we adults teach that concept and then away they go to work on it again in Khan.
ReplyDeleteWhen I talk with people who teach in the online schools, they don't see the elimination of human interaction in the future. They say students will always need someone knowledgeable to help guide them through the material, find more resources, and answers to their questions.
DeleteI think that it will depend on the school and the subject matter whether the textbook will become obsolete. Some content area will continue to need textbooks as the backbone of the curriculum. I think it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think there will be value in curriculum guides, but there are so many resources available online that offer a wider perspective, I think texts will eventually phase out. Several content area classes with texts now, seldom use them, accessing them only as a reference guide for some topics. One building is piloting a math series, with no texts for students.
ReplyDeleteI think so, kind of slowly, but surely I guess. It seems like I’m hearing more and more about different districts that have decided to provide their students with laptops, chromebooks, etc. and distribute all of their material that way. Also, in college, you can download the online version of most textbooks, which is more cost effective (And convenient in my mind), so I feel like a lot of students are probably taking advantage of that option.
ReplyDeleteI feel textbooks are obsolete! Most of the time is information on the web that suggest the same idea. In fact one of my paras is taking education classes through FHSU and all of her books are digital now and no more ordering of textbooks. That hit me as I still like a hard copy of my book to reference to, highlight, bookmark good ideas or whatever. I have heard of many teachers because of budget crunches pulling resources from the internet to teach a concept because books are not being ordered and their books do not teach what needs to be taught. I feel there will always be textbooks but there will be some form of digital to choose from as well.
ReplyDeleteIn Scott City they have done away with some of the text books at the high school and since they have the one to one initiative with iPad students had to download their text books on there. Also with the use of technology taking a big part in how we teach and present things to kids through the use of YouTube and many other web pages why pay the big prices that companies want for the paper version?
ReplyDelete