Some Potential Uses…

In the biweekly discussion of how digital media is effecting teaching and learning, episode 29 talks about the use of the Amazon Kindle in being used for textbooks, instead of the traditional paper back version. They claim that the digital form of the work on the Kindle could be better because out of print or rarely used paperback versions that would otherwise clutter warehouses find a home. Also it is a cheaper alternative for college students who could at times spend over $100 on a single text book. New digital platforms can also be used, such as the kindle, to display digital only and online versions of books or even historical projects. It is because of this use that the new apple iPad I think can change ways of learning and taking in information.

Gizmodo.com had an interesting article about using the iPad in museums in libraries. The article talks about museums and libraries using the iPad to displays e-books and introducing a tactile way of accessing information.

…Due to the size and weight of the iPad, we could be seeing a lot of innovative uses for them, as interactive wallpaper in clubs, teaching aides in schools, and so on.

The iPad not only displays information in a new and fun way, but it also engages the audience to maniulate and control the information displayed. A big part of disgital history and the digital medium, as said in the podcast mentioned above, is that the reader now becomes an active particpant and they have some control on how the information is told to them.

Because the iPad’s size and weight, and e-book technology we could be seeing it being utilized in libraries around the country and in museums to have more interactive exhibits. It could also be a tool used in classrooms to engage and otherwise uninspired and unenthused students. I believe the iPad, like the kindle, will change how we use digital media in digital history and will help integrate it to a mostly paper and technology fearing field.