Digital texts are wonderful because kids can mark them up however they like. They can underline and/or highlight important passages, answer section review questions, and use stickies to type questions on which to follow up in class. Using digital textbooks also helps with some basic technology, research, and reading comprehension. Kids are able to quickly look up unknown words that they may not take the time to find in a printed dictionary. They can also practice deciphering key words in questions in order to search for the accompanying text. I have kids who will try and find the answer to a section review question by typing it into Google. The resulting information is often overwhelming and includes much more detail than necessary for an 8th grade student's answer. It has provided a wonderful teachable moment, because instead, I can help them pinpoint the key words in the question and revisit the text in the chapter to find an answer written in language they understand. We’ve then used those same skills when doing state-wide assessments - I don’t consider this as teaching to the test, rather teaching appropriate test-taking skills.
E-learning and open course software provide kids opportunities they wouldn’t have within the confines of the school building. Kids can communicate safely and within a contained environment using social networking websites like ePals or Edmodo. They can partake in activities using PhET Interactive Simulations and encounter disastrous outcomes without endangering themselves or wasting consumable supplies. They can watch lessons at home (either tutorials made by their teacher or by Kahn Academy) and then come to class and participate in face to face opportunities. Student can connect with people around the world and collaborate on projects using Google or on a Wiki, and then share their work with anyone, anywhere. Teachers can also get immediate feedback as to the effectiveness of a lesson or comprehension of new material using Google forms or websites like Socrative. Kids can also study from anywhere and collaborate on study material using sites like Quizlet. Finally, teachers can record their lessons using applications like Doceri or TouchCast and publish them so their students can revisit the material at their own pace. All these resources facilitate a personalized, engaging, and differentiated learning experience.
