Public Education System and Modernization

Technology and Innovation Integration: Digital Textbooks

Current political discussions have been focused on spending reductions consistent with conservative promoted platforms. Also in political focus are the modernization needs of the public education system. Just for the record, I do not believe that begins with reducing the number of employed school teachers. However, I do have an idea that would satisfy both political debate arguments and has already begun at certain university levels. The digitizing of public education textbooks coordinated through the collective action of national public education institutions for the purchase of tablet computers and developing digital textbook standards. The savings should allow the incorporation of tablet computers for all program students at no cost with access to an electronic internet portal (similar to iTunes store) accommodating all technology operating system platforms for each school district to download the required digital textbook per registered class. This additional technology integration would primarily:

1. Reduce per student textbooks cost;
2. Allow access to internet computing technology for students that currently do not have the option in their home; and 
3. Increase the public education environment dynamic as a leader in innovative learning. 

The benefits of adopting this approach create a platform to distribute continuous education and learning via internet access of select class lectures.  Certain universities are currently testing the applicability of technology for this type of usage and there is no reason why the public education system cannot lead the way. It has greater budget pressures than the university systems and early adoption as a national testing center serves the purpose of the education system while improving community service through technology. My next planned commentary on the public education modernization idea will continue with a focus on university Business Development Centers (Business Incubators) and a strategic collaborative emphasis on human capital employment.