In digital textbook transition, device availability is just the beginning

In the past year, leading technology companies have made big strides in bringing tablet computers into classrooms across the country. But while the availability of new devices is certainly critical, the successful transition to digital textbooks relies on many interconnected factors.

At their best, digital textbooks offer a learning experience that boosts engagement, adapts to student learning, tracks performance and ensures up-to-date content – all while potentially saving costs in the longterm. Beyond the initial technology costs of getting to a one-to-one student-to-tablet ratio (from the historic student-to-computer ratio of 3.75 to 1), Geoff Fletcher, deputy executive director for the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), said the current procurement processes for textbook content aren’t aligned with the dynamics of the digital world. “The business model right now doesn’t take advantage of the enormous flexibility because all the money is locked into one approach,” he said.