Mlearning Article #2 Nook

“Gilbert School Embracing E-reader Technology with Nook Club”

This article is about the pilot Nook Club at Sonoma Ranch Elementary School. They allowed 6^th graders to take the devices home and read on them for 2 weeks, in order to encourage reading in general. They hope to give all of their 6^th graders a chance to use them and read one e-book by the end of the year. Schools across the country are experimenting with e-readers, with some schools going as far as giving every student an e-reader to use in place of textbooks. There is a growing trend toward e-books, and Sonoma Ranch hopes to be leaders in blending the use of paper and e-books in schools. In the long run, it could save schools money (e-books are typically cheaper and can be shared among several devices), and delivery is instantaneous (as opposed to the standard 5 week wait for paper books).

I can really see the benefit of using e-readers in a library and classroom setting. It's a great way to integrate reading into all subjects, and to interest students in reading outside of the classroom. I think the idea of sending the students home with the e-readers is a great idea, because it motivates them to read on their own time. Students at the school did not seem to think they would stop reading paper books, although I think that is the fear of many librarians. Nor did the school decide to give up paper books altogether. It is simply one strategy for getting more books to more kids, in an engaging way, and for less money!