Comments on: “The iPod of Reading” http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: An old-fashioned Teacher http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-40355 An old-fashioned Teacher Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:48:47 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-40355 Reading is an adventure. For some, it requires more than the written word. Personally, I like books and am a "curl up and read" person. Reading is an adventure. For some, it requires more than the written word. Personally, I like books and am a “curl up and read” person.

]]> By: Helen http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-39746 Helen Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:45:56 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-39746 I agree with those "curl up and read" a book proponents, as that is what I love to do. However, I also believe there is are vast opportunities inherent with the new technology also. I suspect my 85 year old mother will be among the early users of "Kindle" - she also became a computer programmer at age 60! I agree with those “curl up and read” a book proponents, as that is what I love to do. However, I also believe there is are vast opportunities inherent with the new technology also. I suspect my 85 year old mother will be among the early users of “Kindle” – she also became a computer programmer at age 60!

]]> By: Karen http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-39620 Karen Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:41:17 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-39620 "Kindle" digital book reader would be an exciting technological tool for educators. The writings of the world could be translated, read, researched, and enjoyed from anywhere by more people. What a great way for a teacher to engage their students. “Kindle” digital book reader would be an exciting technological tool for educators. The writings of the world could be translated, read, researched, and enjoyed from anywhere by more people. What a great way for a teacher to engage their students.

]]> By: Technology and 21st Century Schools » Blog Archive » Thinking Ahead: Planning for “Improved” Reading http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-39309 Technology and 21st Century Schools » Blog Archive » Thinking Ahead: Planning for “Improved” Reading Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:53:22 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-39309 [...] For another educator’s thoughts on the future of reading, click here. [...] [...] For another educator’s thoughts on the future of reading, click here. [...]

]]> By: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-39111 Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:57:53 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-39111 Wish I had read this before I posted my blurb about Kindle in a post on my blog: <a href="http://21stcenturylearning.typepad.com/blog/2007/11/the-future-of-r.html" rel="nofollow"> Gist is this- Benefits of Book 2.0 There are definite benefits to having an electronic reader --possibly an innovation that could revolutionize a near perfect invention that has stood the test of time. Imagine the impact such a device could have on the developing world. Books are costly to print and more costly to move.This kind of disruptive technology could lower the cost of transporting the best books to the developing world and also lower the cost of ideas/books coming to us from the developing world. Additionally, in these times of angst about global warming, Book 2.0 concepts present a huge opportunity to reduce the negative impact on the environment by changing the process of producing a "book" as we now know it. Or how about the fact that knowledge is changing and expanding at unbelievable rates; many textbooks are outdated almost as soon as they hit the shelves. Medical textbooks need to be updated every year and electronic versions would address this issue nicely. However, online readers like Kindle have been around for awhile and have not gained popularity. Why? Because new technologies should result in doing things very different from the way it is currently being done. Just taking an analog book and making the text digital ignores the potential of using the Web as a new way of reading. The innovation has to include taking a linear medium and morphing it into a divergent, spiral, hyper, nonlinear form, making use of all the Web has to offer. Wish I had read this before I posted my blurb about Kindle in a post on my blog:

Gist is this-

Benefits of Book 2.0
There are definite benefits to having an electronic reader –possibly an innovation that could revolutionize a near perfect invention that has stood the test of time. Imagine the impact such a device could have on the developing world. Books are costly to print and more costly to move.This kind of disruptive technology could lower the cost of transporting the best books to the developing world and also lower the cost of ideas/books coming to us from the developing world. Additionally, in these times of angst about global warming, Book 2.0 concepts present a huge opportunity to reduce the negative impact on the environment by changing the process of producing a “book” as we now know it. Or how about the fact that knowledge is changing and expanding at unbelievable rates; many textbooks are outdated almost as soon as they hit the shelves. Medical textbooks need to be updated every year and electronic versions would address this issue nicely.

However, online readers like Kindle have been around for awhile and have not gained popularity. Why? Because new technologies should result in doing things very different from the way it is currently being done. Just taking an analog book and making the text digital ignores the potential of using the Web as a new way of reading. The innovation has to include taking a linear medium and morphing it into a divergent, spiral, hyper, nonlinear form, making use of all the Web has to offer.

]]> By: Ciro Greco http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-39032 Ciro Greco Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:17:21 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-39032 I love the envirionmental impact, less paper. Although some people such as my wife for one enjoys the tactile sensation of holding a book and turning the pages. As an education tool I can see it being an asset, no more ripped pages in the text book and up to date editions. I love the envirionmental impact, less paper. Although some people such as my wife for one enjoys the tactile sensation of holding a book and turning the pages. As an education tool I can see it being an asset, no more ripped pages in the text book and up to date editions.

]]> By: gretchenw http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38923 gretchenw Sat, 24 Nov 2007 21:51:14 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38923 The Kindle and the fence, that is where I am sitting. Is it a good idea? Yes, particularly for those who do not have easy access to a bookstore or library. Do I think it will replace bookstores? No, the ambience of sitting in Border's or Barnes and Nobles browsing through shelves of books, or reading a full size magazine while sipping a cup of tea will not be replaced by handfuls of people holding a white Kindle sitting...where on a park bench in a KIndle Store or on the fence with me, wondering whether to hop off and visit the bookstore or stay seated and download a copy of Jodi Picoult's latest book on my Kindle. The Kindle and the fence, that is where I am sitting. Is it a good idea? Yes, particularly for those who do not have easy access to a bookstore or library. Do I think it will replace bookstores? No, the ambience of sitting in Border’s or Barnes and Nobles browsing through shelves of books, or reading a full size magazine while sipping a cup of tea will not be replaced by handfuls of people holding a white Kindle sitting…where on a park bench in a KIndle Store or on the fence with me, wondering whether to hop off and visit the bookstore or stay seated and download a copy of Jodi Picoult’s latest book on my Kindle.

]]> By: Jo205 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38546 Jo205 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:19:29 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38546 I think that e-books will be beneificial for educational purposes. Students will be able to find and read texts on-line, which will help with the research process immensely. Projects and reports will be easier for students of all reading levels. I personally find it very frustrating when the library doesn't have a book I need, and with e-books this will not be as big as a hassle. However, I am an English major and I love books. I love curling up and reading them, going back over my favorite parts, and seeing my beloved collection on the shelf. I hate sitting attached to a computer when I could be outside reading on the hammock, or out at the beach with my favorite paperback. There's just something special about the physical book itself. I love those books that my parents have given me, that are old and loved. If schools begin this change over to digital books, I can only hope that teachers would teach what is special about the book itself and not make it merely a tool in a computer. I think that e-books will be beneificial for educational purposes. Students will be able to find and read texts on-line, which will help with the research process immensely. Projects and reports will be easier for students of all reading levels. I personally find it very frustrating when the library doesn’t have a book I need, and with e-books this will not be as big as a hassle.
However, I am an English major and I love books. I love curling up and reading them, going back over my favorite parts, and seeing my beloved collection on the shelf. I hate sitting attached to a computer when I could be outside reading on the hammock, or out at the beach with my favorite paperback. There’s just something special about the physical book itself. I love those books that my parents have given me, that are old and loved. If schools begin this change over to digital books, I can only hope that teachers would teach what is special about the book itself and not make it merely a tool in a computer.

]]> By: Peneli http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38527 Peneli Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:17:47 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38527 I don't get the excitement about the Kindle. eBook readers have been around for a while, and as the "iPod" of ebooks goes, that is not it. It costs too much, and as someone upthread said, the key for iPods was cheap music. If I'm buying an ebook to read on a $400 reader, I expect to pay less than $10 for the book or I might as well go to the bookstore and buy 40 books. (Also, music has the advantage that I can easily port all my existing music to my iPod, while I can't similarly get access without paying again to books I own on an eBook reader.) The other thing I don't get about the Kindle excitement is that there are superior eBook readers out there -- Sony reader, Bookeen Cybook, iLiad. Yes, they don't have quite as many bells and whistles, but the reason the iPod has been so successful was partly a lack of bells-and-whistles. It's all about that fundamental principle of design: simplify. Of course, one of these days someone will actually do a good job of making an iPod-eBook reader-cellphone-pda-handheld game player and we'll only need one piece of expensive tech to do everything portable. Or so I can hope. I don’t get the excitement about the Kindle. eBook readers have been around for a while, and as the “iPod” of ebooks goes, that is not it. It costs too much, and as someone upthread said, the key for iPods was cheap music. If I’m buying an ebook to read on a $400 reader, I expect to pay less than $10 for the book or I might as well go to the bookstore and buy 40 books. (Also, music has the advantage that I can easily port all my existing music to my iPod, while I can’t similarly get access without paying again to books I own on an eBook reader.)

The other thing I don’t get about the Kindle excitement is that there are superior eBook readers out there — Sony reader, Bookeen Cybook, iLiad. Yes, they don’t have quite as many bells and whistles, but the reason the iPod has been so successful was partly a lack of bells-and-whistles. It’s all about that fundamental principle of design: simplify.

Of course, one of these days someone will actually do a good job of making an iPod-eBook reader-cellphone-pda-handheld game player and we’ll only need one piece of expensive tech to do everything portable. Or so I can hope.

]]> By: Tracie Heskett http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38517 Tracie Heskett Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:34:38 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38517 I agree with Gary Christenson's comments about those notes in book margins. He also makes a good point about the reality of technology becoming obsolete. I'll probably remain one of those last hold-outs who wants to curl up on the couch with a good book and turn pages. On the other hand, if Kindle provides easier-to-read print and a way to combat glare, it could be a wonderful option. I agree with Gary Christenson’s comments about those notes in book margins. He also makes a good point about the reality of technology becoming obsolete. I’ll probably remain one of those last hold-outs who wants to curl up on the couch with a good book and turn pages. On the other hand, if Kindle provides easier-to-read print and a way to combat glare, it could be a wonderful option.

]]> By: Chris Champion http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38513 Chris Champion Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:59:51 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38513 Requirements for me: is cool, is lightweight, is easy to read under a multitude of lighting situations. I still LOVE reading novels. I have textbooks and other books, but come 10:00 I pick up my paperback novel and read. If Kindle is as comfortable as a paperback book... it might be the iPod of books. Requirements for me: is cool, is lightweight, is easy to read under a multitude of lighting situations. I still LOVE reading novels. I have textbooks and other books, but come 10:00 I pick up my paperback novel and read. If Kindle is as comfortable as a paperback book… it might be the iPod of books.

]]> By: CILIP members blog landscape http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38488 CILIP members blog landscape Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:59:18 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38488 <strong>Amazon's Kindle in the UK...</strong> The blogs and news are all chattering away about Kindle, which is the new hand held ebook reader that... Amazon’s Kindle in the UK…

The blogs and news are all chattering away about Kindle, which is the new hand held ebook reader that…

]]> By: Gary Christenson http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38417 Gary Christenson Tue, 20 Nov 2007 03:36:41 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38417 Devices like the Kindle will certainly have their place, particularly in the college textbook market, which has already moved toward digitalization, and with other information that must be searchable. But will people want leisure reading through such a device? A few certainly, but most? Even a cheap paperback doesn't offer such problems as screen glare and battery recharging. But I think the biggest problem with eBooks is the lack of permanence the medium offers. I own books that belonged to my grandparents, that were held by them. Some still contain margin notes written in their hand. I doubt my great-grandchildren will have my Kindle around to read. Indeed, I wrote a book back in the '80s with software and in a format that is no longer accessible by any device I own. Thank goodness I still have a box of the books tucked away in the closet. Devices like the Kindle will certainly have their place, particularly in the college textbook market, which has already moved toward digitalization, and with other information that must be searchable. But will people want leisure reading through such a device? A few certainly, but most? Even a cheap paperback doesn’t offer such problems as screen glare and battery recharging. But I think the biggest problem with eBooks is the lack of permanence the medium offers. I own books that belonged to my grandparents, that were held by them. Some still contain margin notes written in their hand. I doubt my great-grandchildren will have my Kindle around to read. Indeed, I wrote a book back in the ’80s with software and in a format that is no longer accessible by any device I own. Thank goodness I still have a box of the books tucked away in the closet.

]]> By: Jackie http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38394 Jackie Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:09:03 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38394 Writing is a collaborative process - sharing with other writers, soliciting feedback, revising and sharing again. And all of this can take place virtually. It only makes sense that reading evolves into a similar experience. Great food for thought! Writing is a collaborative process – sharing with other writers, soliciting feedback, revising and sharing again. And all of this can take place virtually. It only makes sense that reading evolves into a similar experience. Great food for thought!

]]> By: Jenny Luca http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-38326 Jenny Luca Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:46:55 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2007/the-ipod-of-reading/#comment-38326 I'm a Teacher-Librarian and can see that this is the way of the future. James Patterson is right; the older gen hangs onto paper - our students are happy to do everything on a screen or hand-held device. I can see the Kindle taking off even with an older generation. All those sight affected readers out there who struggle to find large print books will be thrilled. In my profession we need to be on board early with this type of technology. I'd love one now - anyone know when they will be available in Australia? I’m a Teacher-Librarian and can see that this is the way of the future. James Patterson is right; the older gen hangs onto paper – our students are happy to do everything on a screen or hand-held device. I can see the Kindle taking off even with an older generation. All those sight affected readers out there who struggle to find large print books will be thrilled. In my profession we need to be on board early with this type of technology. I’d love one now – anyone know when they will be available in Australia?

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