This technology offers unlimited possibilities to make a regular schoolbook interactive. For example: the student can touch an unknown word in the text and a glossary on the screen is opened, explaining the word, playing the correct pronounciation, giving a visual example etc. Also the regular text could be accompanied by pictures, videos and interactive as well as cooperative software on demand. This gives the chance to have a deeper insight into an educational topic because multiple senses (read, listen, watch, touch) are being penetrated. Reading a book becomes a more active task.

The touch screen makes navigation and handling of the software very intuitive. So, this concept could be used throughout all age groups. The demanded content can be loaded easily by opening the correct page of the book instead of complex navigation through folders and files.

But why using a book and a touch screen, since iPad could work in the same way? First of all, content can be accessed without technology. The feeling and handling of a book is still given. In my opinion, a feeling that should not be lost for future times because of advancing technology. Secondly, it enables teachers to have a certain control on the content available. Not all content can be accessed at once but only the content that is assigned to the opened page. This reduction of input is a very important aspect of teaching. Especially when introducing a new topic. The teacher can get to the basics first and the students cannot browse through all the content at once, loosing focus and concentration in the masses of information.

I think this concept offers a great symbiosis of traditional and future education. What do you think about it?

Leonard