If the rumors are true, Apple could offer a new way for students to learn in the classroom.
The largely innovative tech giant is planning to make a splash in the world of education. Through strategic partnerships with book publishers, Apple is said to be announcing their intention of influencing the digital textbook market.
It's no secret that Steve Jobs had a vision to positively impact education. According to Jobs' biography, author Walter Isaacson wrote:
"His idea was to hire great textbook writers to create digital versions, and make them a feature of the iPad. In addition, he held meetings with major publishers, such as Pearson Education, about partnering with Apple."
Apple is starting to create Jobs' vision, as the company is holding a press conference in NYC this month to discuss their intentions for digital publishing. Apple has already sent out media invitations to the event and although they have not informed us of what the event will be about, Fox News correspondent Clayton Morris has confirmed that the event will focus on ‘iTunes University' and Apple in education.
As studies indicate the surging popularity of digital resources in higher education, Apple's participation in the textbook market would come at a strategic time. The company's involvement could also offer an affordable option for students buying textbooks.
Devil's Advocate
Although many are welcoming the idea of digital textbooks, critics still think paper textbooks are more beneficial.
The fact remains that serious students enjoy the option of writing on their physical textbooks. The concepts of highlighting content, bookmarking pages and circling words are all strategies students use to understand content. Even if Apple can offer these strategies with e-books, is it more convenient to perform these actions on an iPad as opposed to a paper textbook?
Another issue is the layout of textbooks. Can Apple digitally emulate a textbook so that students can have access to more than one page on their screen (like an open textbook)? Students are already accustomed to the layout of a textbook and to sell the concept of a digital textbook, Apple will have to make a case for convenience - a case that only seems to focus on storing all your textbooks in one place for ease of access.
It will be interesting to see what Apple's plans are for the future of digital education.
Do you think Apple can change the way students read textbooks? Do you support the idea of a digital textbook? Let us know below or reach out to us via the Hudson Horizons Twitter page.
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