I have so much to say, now that I'm back from vacation (I will disclose the location and tell you about it sometime this week), that I don't know where to start!
Well, I have decided to update you with some of the news I missed while I was away. You might be interested in the following:
- Rumor has it that a 3rd version of Kindle might be coming out in the near future. I don't own one yet (I still prefer a real book, but I have to admit that the Kindle is more eco-friendly). Read the Publisher's Weekly scoop in the blog post (which I found through the Alltop kidslit widget on my sidebar) "Coming Soon to a Page Near You."
- The Reading Tub called our attention to "An Opportunity to Explore eBook Learning. I am not yet familiar with Sylvan Dell Publishing's new eBooks, but I will definitely check them out. Supposedly, the company's state-of-the-art eBook technology will take literacy and picture books to the next level.
I'm glad that technology is being used to promote literacy, especially in places where people don't have access to many real books. When it comes to children who are learning to read, though, it is my hope that this technology will only be used as a supplement, rather than as a complete replacement, of real books.
To me, reading a real book, especially a real picture book, is an experience that can never be truly replaced by technology, no matter how advanced it may get. Just think about how different it is to examine a work of art on the computer rather than going to see the real thing. Take the Mona Lisa, for instance. If you had the choice, would you rather look at her on your computer screen, or in person in Paris?
Okay, so most of us can't just take off and fly to Paris whenever we like. And it's a great thing that we can find out all about the Mona Lisa on the internet. Technology does bring us endless possibilities.
All I'm saying is that people need to have many different kinds of experiences in life; some with technology, and some without. If we use technology to supplement hands-on activities, field trips, library visits, and the reading of real books, just imagine the possibilities for our children.
I have seen the Mona Lisa, and it comforts me to know that she'll always be there waiting for me to visit her once again. My children can learn all about her on the internet, but someday I hope they get to see her close up and for real as well. You see, books are a lot like the Mona Lisa to me. They should always be there, just waiting for another visitor...
So, while we all should be excited about this new technology, I hope we keep a special place in our hearts for the books we can actually touch and the libraries we can actually visit. The future is bright, but the past lights the way...
How do you feel about all of this? Have you or your children tried eBooks yet?
We'd also love to hear feedback from those of you who have the Kindle!
