Thousands of students in Ireland may have their school books replaced this year with gadgets such as e-readers and tablet PCs.

The Irish Independent reports that 27 schools around the country are taking part in an initiative led by publisher Edco to introduce digitised versions of textbooks into the classroom.

Fiona O'Carroll, senior vice-president of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, predicted that within a few years, all pupils should be using some form of portable technology as a learning aid.

"They are living in a colour world with mobile devices. Then we send them to old-fashioned classrooms [and] it is like moving into a black-and-white world," she said, adding that many schools are "like dinosaurs" when it comes embracing technology.

Using e-books or tablets may help students concentrate in lessons, as well as providing lighter school bags, the publication stated, though it noted a radical change in thinking will be needed by teachers to make the most of the items.

Last month, it was reported by the Irish Times that first-year pupils at St Kevin's College in Crumlin were issued with iPads at the start of the current term, with students paying 150 euros a year for the equipment.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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