Isn't that interesting........I can see how this will work with young
people.  Even though we have all ages at our center, I cannot see
eliminating totally books from a classroom.  But, in many ways you
wonder is this a "crutch" for teachers????????   Or Students??????  I
know that when we offer community education classes such as Spanish, the
students want a textbook.  I have had instructors teach Spanish who were
Hispanic and some who were American.  The Hispanic teachers liked to
teach without books, but the students wanted books.  American students
who take these classes want a book......like they will learn better.
They seem resistant to writing down the information if they need to.

 

What is most interesting is that our ESL students act like books and
paper are foreign objects.  They just want to hear the words and talk
and use the words.   So, I think you are on to something, but I think it
might have to do with who your audience is as to what actually works and
doesn't work for teaching through technology.

 

Kay Combs

Community Education Director

Center for Lifelong Learning

332 Champion Way

Georgetown, KY  40324

502-570-8984

kay.combs at scott.kyschools.us

http://tinyurl.com/2lfnhw

 

The Scott County Center for Lifelong Learning is committed to providing
educational opportunities for individuals and families to achieve
success and build a strong community.

 

________________________________

From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov]
On Behalf Of Joe Horne
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1:11 PM
To: Technology at nifl.gov
Subject: [Technology 1726] Eliminating textbooks in technology classes

 

Hello everyone,

 

I am teach technology (programming, film making, web design) in a small
private high school.  Been at it for all of eight days!  Before that, I
was teaching technology to adults in the corporate world.  I am
experimenting with not using a textbook and so far the learners have
taken well to it.  We use iTunes U, blogs and other (free) web based
tools.  I was wondering if any of you had eliminated books with adults
(especially older adults).  How did they respond?  Before I left the
corporate world, I had eliminated lots of documentation (especially in
new hire orientation) because of the environmental waste.  Some people
liked it, others did not  Any suggestions on how to overcome resistance?
Parents seem a little alarmed that I would do such a thingbut the kids
love it.

 

Thanks for your insights and observations,

 

Joe

Grad student at Georgia State University

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