ebooks and schools

bdoo

Hi all,

We are talking about implementing ebooks over the next couple of years possibly starting with first years in Sept 2013.

To me they are not the be all and end all but it does seem to be the direction things are going.

We operate a book rental scheme which costs approx 200 euro per student for junior cycle I must check the exact figure. Its the cost that really stands out for me between the hardware and the books it will be quite expensive.

The info from publishers is that ebooks cost approx 30% less than printed ones but run on a 3 year license and attract Vat as they are classed as software so maybe 10 - 15% cheaper but no resale value.

Our scheme can support the families who cannot afford the rental as we run a book for a number of cycles depending on the subject together with whatever book grant is available. But with a 3 year license it will quickly unravel as everyone must pay full belt.

I suppose I'm just looking for feedback from those with experience or opinions from people with an interest in this area.

It is probably something all schools will be looking at in the near future as they try to stay current.

Thanks,

BDOO

doc_17

We had a discussion about it and thought it best to leave it a few years and see how it goes. Too many unknowns. Cost, the durability of the ipads, classroom management etc. We will eventually have them but lets see how things go for a few pilot schools.

delta_bravo

Whatever about ebooks I think Ipads are an absolute waste of money. A school could bulk buy a decent netbook for students that would have far more features than an ipad

bdoo

We have a class set of netbooks HERE!! which are a good and the TY class love them. We bought them in September and used them for the year with success.

I'm not too keen on the ipad either but believe that edco are going to do a version of their ebooks for android which makes a tablet type option more affordable.

But there are all of the hidden problems.

Cost of electricity for charging while in school for example, insurance/security, warranty and the fact that the technology will be redundant in a few years.

We are getting our 'Hundred Meg' broadband in June and full wireless coverage of the entire building so we will be well equipped. It's coming, its just figuring out how to implement it.

I'm for letting other schools break the ground too but with all of the investment in technology as outlined the target is for ebooks in a short time so i suppose its just thrashing out the details.

There are plenty of good heads on here with good insight who will have good ideas I hope

whiteandlight

We just got given iPads in school (teachers only). I've done a lot of research on it and looking forward to it. I'll keep you guys updated on how it goes.

Monotype

bdoo wrote: »

We have a class set of netbooks HERE!! which are a good and the TY class love them. We bought them in September and used them for the year with success.

How are you supposed to get by with so little storage? At least they had the sense to put 2GB of RAM into them.

I'd say they'd be great for fourth year projects but I think it would be a while before we'll see full usability. At least there's saving on school heating with a load of computers running! Maybe when multicoloured e-readers launch, they'll be a good alternative to present touchscreens.

wingnut

We went with eBooks last year. It was a bit of work but it worked out well.

bdoo

wingnut wrote: »

We went with eBooks last year. It was a bit of work but it worked out well.

What way did it work do you know? kids buy device and books? cost? main seething problems. we're hoping to introduce Sept 2013