Could eBooks Save Millions for Education? (Part 2)

Back to our number of students statewide. If the use of Kindles or other E-Book products could save only $10 dollars per student across Oklahoma, that would save approximately $6.5 million dollars, which will not alone save education, but we could possibly redirect those dollars saved into other much needed areas of the education mission. I believe the savings could be greater but again, I really do not know. That’s what an interim study is all about. It’s exactly what it says: a study. I think this one has some merit and I intend to pursue it and see what we find. In casual conversations from different folks who saw the news report that Channel 7 did about the Kindle, some concerns were raised that could be very valid. One concern was “how do we control the content and make sure it’s not inappropriate?” I believe we have enough computer knowledge in the industry to address that concern.

I also believe that children, especially today, would take to this technology easier than those of us who hate change and are somewhat intimidated by computers. You know the old longstanding joke “if you want to set your VCR, ask your kid”. They have grown up with technology and they embrace it more than older generations. Another added benefit to an E-Book would be simply the difference in weight that kids are having to swing over their shoulder in a backpack. Six books will outweigh a Kindle or a Nook or an iPad every time. So, given that alone, there has got to be some benefits to a smaller, more efficient textbook. Lots of unanswered questions but just a basic concept that I think might have some points worth exploring is what this interim study is all about. My hope is that by thinking outside the box, we can save a few million dollars statewide that could go toward other important pieces of the education financial puzzle and maybe just streamline the operation. It will be an interesting study and we should have some answers later in the Fall. So, stay logged in.