A rethinking of digital learning device projects

Tianchong Wang, Dave Towey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A fundamental change in the way education is being delivered is taking place. Using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has shifted from being an "add-on" to becoming an essential component of the curriculum. Recently, initiatives aimed at reducing the digital divide, and lightening the load of students' backpacks, such as the "e-schoolbag" project launched in Shanghai and other major cities, have reignited the discussion on ICT's increasing role in the classroom. This paper traces some of the background of "e-schoolbag" and other similar projects, and discusses the trends and expected benefits now being identified. The paper also reports on a preliminary investigation conducted in an international school in Hong Kong, where the penetration and adoption of ICT in the classroom is reported to be comparatively high, and where they have introduced Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle as core tools for classroom use. The paper looks at some of the challenges facing adoption of such tools, including the difficulties of obtaining electronic versions of the desired course content or textbooks, and reports on some of the solutions appearing for these problems. The paper concludes with some suggestions of future directions of research and development to support the incorporation of digital learning devices in the classroom.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering, TALE 2012
PagesW2C1-W2C5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event1st IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering, TALE 2012 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Duration: 20 Aug 201223 Aug 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering, TALE 2012

Conference

Conference1st IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering, TALE 2012
Country/TerritoryHong Kong
CityHong Kong
Period20/08/1223/08/12

Keywords

  • e-schoolbag
  • eTextbooks
  • ICT
  • iPad
  • tablets

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)
  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A rethinking of digital learning device projects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this