INSIDE Digital Textbooks
By Alice Reilly,
PreK-12 Social Studies Coordinator
As we discussed in the Fall 2010 issue of INSIDE ISD, it won’t be long before digital textbooks replace the traditional hardcover books that students have used for decades.
Since September, FCPS began piloting digital textbooks for 7th grade U.S. History and high school Government classes. One middle school and one high school per cluster, as well as two alternative schools, are participating in the 2011 Digital Textbook Pilot Program.
During the recent textbook adoption in social studies, it was hard to imagine having printed resources that would be relevant and up-to-date through 2017, which is when the next adoption would take place. With changes in technology, the publishers now provide highly engaging, dynamic, and relevant electronic resources for students. These resources were reviewed and met with enthusiasm, and we are looking forward to rolling out the project.
Similar initiatives are also taking hold in other states, such as California, where former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pushed forward the California Open Source Textbook Project. The collaborative, public/private undertaking was created to address the high cost, content range, and consistent shortages of K-12 textbooks. Other states and school districts are talking about moving in this direction, and this year the Virginia Department of Education is also doing a small pilot regarding the use of digital textbooks. In preparation for what is likely to come, textbook publishers such as McGraw-Hill are gearing up. Click here to read my interview with Dan Caton, Executive Vice President of McGraw-Hill School Education, about his strategy.
Indeed, the FCPS pilot of Social Studies textbooks is an important first step in moving all schools in the district toward becoming a true digital-learning environment. The reason is simple: Students consider the Internet a virtual library where they can research any topic they may want to learn more about. It can be a virtual study group where information is shared, or a virtual tutor where experts in the field can help answer student questions.
Principals and teachers agree, for when word got out that a pilot would be taking place, there was an overwhelming response from schools eager to participate. It’s not a surprise, for school administrators recognize that this is where instruction needs to move in order to prepare students for the world beyond high school. As society moves to this increased dependency upon technology, it is imperative that we prepare our students for their digital future.
While many people see the benefits of digital textbooks, there are some concerns as to whether the new format will really save money, and if a standard format is even possible. Nonetheless, experts agree that digital textbooks are a game-changer, and they are likely going to be a major part of the future of education.
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4. Social Studies Online Textbook Pilot
Throughout the 2010-2011 school year, students and teachers in 18 middle and high schools (two schools from each cluster plus two alternative schools) are utilizing the online textbook and online resources both at school and at home in Grade 7 American History (Glencoe) and HS American Government in Grade 12 (and grade 10 for IB schools) (Pearson).
Students and teachers have use of a single district log-in online access through FCPS 24/7 and limited print editions for classroom use. A limited number of print books have been made available to schools.
Each school has been allocated one netbook station (32 units) per school to use for the online textbook pilot.
This pilot provides the building blocks to determine systemic capability and capacity to establish new tools for learning within the framework of 21st century skills.
The use of online textbooks and resources provides the delivery of instruction to students via the way they live their lives outside of school and the way they will be required to operate in the rapidly changing world of work.
The pilot allows us to study and determine the impact on the IT infrastructure, accessibility for all students, and protocols needed for students to access online resources in the future.
Costs
Total cost for this pilot: $473,150.
This includes approximately $167,750 for textbooks and online access, which included financial agreements for some free subscriptions from the publishers. The remaining $305,400 was allocated for purchasing portable netbook labs of 32 laptops each.
No additional funding is needed for the current pilot, but future textbook purchasing power could be leveraged by a shift to central procurement for basal instructional materials.
Current status
Following the September 20-21, 2010, teacher training, teachers and students began to use the online resources in the classroom. An evaluation plan with pre- and post-surveys of students and teachers has been developed.
Preliminary data show that 97.2 percent of students involved in the pilot have Internet access at home; 92.1 percent of students have their own email account; and over 50 percent of students stated that using their own technology device in school would make learning easier. Additional details regarding the data are available.
Continual teacher training, along with individual support as needed, is scheduled throughout this pilot year. Classroom visits to observe and talk with students and teachers have begun. Focus groups and the post-surveys with students, teachers, parents, and administrators are scheduled from February through late spring 2011.
Next steps:
- Establish an official project status partnering Instructional Services Department and Instructional Technology Department on next steps for possible expansion of this pilot to additional grade levels, other content areas, and for the future.
- Implement a strong communication plan with various stakeholders in building knowledge and creating a common vision for the future.
- Continue to monitor the implementation in the pilot schools with attention to impact on student engagement and ease of use, and determine the exemplary and typical implementation of the pilot and lessons learned for the future.
- Determine the future budget implications and purchasing procedures for expanding this project.
- The results of our pilot experience will help to inform a go/no-go decision for expanding the use of online textbooks in the future.
Photo: Students and teachers at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology discuss class requirements at the start of the new year. Image by www.fcps.edu
