The e-book proposal, due to begin next August, is part of Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s larger plan to prevent bankruptcy in the west coast state. A standard textbook costs the state just under $100. According to state officials the switch to e-books could save millions of dollars.

“Textbooks are outdated” said Schwarzenegger. “Our kids get their information from the internet, downloaded onto their iPods and in Twitter feeds to their cell phones…so why are California’s school students still forced to lug around antiquated, heavy, expensive textbooks?”

The decision by Schwarzenegger has received a mixed reaction. For some, the scheme presents opportunity for districts and states to personalise textbooks to their own curriculum, and allows for information to be continually updated.

However, critics of the scheme have expressed concern over:
• the cost of training educators to use the e-books effectively
• the cost of equipping schools with the necessary PC’s
• the implications for students who not have access to a computer at home.

What do you think? i-studentadvisor would love to hear your thoughts on the scheme. E-mail us your comments at: editorial@i-studentadvisor.com