I USE APPLE products to learn. Apple and learning have been part of my life since 1984. But I'm not convinced the interactive Apple way is best in all cases.
The Non-Transformative iBook Experience
I've taken several well-run training courses provided by Apple for educators. They were excellent but to get a result, I'd have to change over to Mac editing for all my video tutorials. And while that's probably not a bad idea, if I convert my personal editing space, I will start down a road that leads away from long reads and into a space where clever interactive schematics like the one my daughter is using in the video form the foundation of my educational multimedia. However, I know there's just as much value in cultivating the spirit of reading plain text. I believe our culture depends upon educating citizens in the value of reading often and immersing in essays and books.
And that's why I'm watching how Apple is redefining the space of learning with tablets. I don't think it's pedagogically strong when used as the centre pole in the tent of primary education.
Listen to what I think on Audioboo.
Previously: "Serious constraints with iPad-only books", April 23, 2011.
Dan York -- "Apple's Great Big Fail" on Disruptive Conversations, January 19, 2012.
