mLearning-The Arizona Republic

Today's article is about  a school in Arizona, Gilbert elementary school. Gilbert school is embracing e-reader technology with Nook Club. A Gilbert elementary-school librarian and principal have discovered a way to motivate students to read by downloading books and series thought the use of the Nook, an e-reader. The "Nook Club" gives six sixth-graders a school-bought Nook reader and allows them to use the device and read on it for two weeks. Sixth-grader, Elizabeth White says, "I like that I can read in the dark in bed and I also like that I can go to the Internet from home, and it's lighter than a lot of books."

School librarian, Bobbie Georgvich, says "the goal is to give all sixth-graders a chance to use the e-reader and read at least one electronic book by the end of the school year." Embracing e-readers is a growing trend across the country in libraries and classrooms. Who better to take the lead in this fast growing trend of technology than librarians and teachers? I like the idea that schools are training teachers and students in how to use the e-readers. According to principal, Terry Maurer, "our hope is to transition our library into a 21st-century library." The school is not shunning books, but officials see the advantaged to the e-reader. Because the librarian only has to buy once for the e-reader to share with six others, it is a good way to keep up with purchasing new books instead of waiting for a physical copy to be stocked. Also downloaded books are 20-70% cheaper than a physical book.

I think that e-readers help revive the joy of reading. I love the idea of every child being excited about reading, regardless if it is a physical copy or a e-reader. However, I do like that schools are trying to embrace this new leap forward in technology. Reading stories allows students to use their imaginations and go and see places and things with the mind's eye. I think anything we can do as teachers and parents to encourage a child to read is a move in the right direction. I want every child to love to read and if e-readers encourages a child to read, I am all in!