PLN #3*

2c Worth. “The Answer for Textbook Publishers” by David Warlick

“The Answer for Textbook Publishers” by David Warlick suggests that textbooks should become smaller in order to “be relevant to our students lives and their future”. The idea is that books should be 2 x 3 inches, to be similar to the screen size of their iPod. This would not be very practical. The small size would make it easier to slip away or get lost in the jumble of a locker. Also, pages would have to be cut out unless hundreds of 2 x 3 inch textbooks were made to contain all of the information in one 9 x 12 inch book. I don’t think that this would benefit me and my learning process because I like being able to page through my textbooks if I need to reference a topic. If I had many 2 x 3 textbooks I would have to first find the textbook, then the needed information. This process would be very tedious and I might not even find what I’m looking for. I think these tiny books wouldn’t be a good idea for the classroom. Kids would forget their books or which ones to bring, and it would disrupt the flow of class.

I realize that the suggestion for 2 x 3 textbooks is satirical—the author is trying to say we should use technology which kids use often—iPhones, computers, etc.—to try to interest them in learning. As for me, I prefer to have my information in a regular book rather than sent to my iPhone or computer. However, this may have a different effect on classmates—some may be more inclined to do their homework if they could do it on their iPhone. Increased technology also benefits the world. If there is more technology, more items need to be manufactured, which would give more people jobs and help the economy.