California Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) has introduced legislation that will require public school textbook publishers to provide content in eReader format for K-12 students, Hagman said Tuesday.
After seeing the impact technology has on students, the Assemblyman authored AB 1790 which is moving to policy committee today.
Assmeblyman Curt Hagman Photo courtesy of Assembly Republican Caucus
"I’m a big believer in technology," Hagman said. "I have two kids in public school right now&hellipI know they’ve been involved with computers and they all have their iPads and eBooks. In California, I believe that is the new language for our children. The sooner we can get integrated into that, the better off we are."
While the bill will require publishers to provide textbook content in a format for regular books, eReaders and other computerized devices, a lack of state resources kept Hagman from requiring that schools provide eReaders, such as iPads, for students.
"It’s not a mandate," he said. "I wish I could go that far."
Given the size of the state and the number of public school students, providing students with devices is not currently realistic, Hagman said. Eventually, such devices will become necessary, as students must take state exams on the small number of computers available on campuses by 2014, according to Hagman.
He offered the successful example of a charter school with high state test scores that has students complete work on iPads, and said that bringing devices to public schools may require a business-minded solution. In the meantime, the state must work on developing infrastructure such as WiFi access on school campuses and encouraging teachers to embrace technology.
"They have to go this way sooner than later," Hagman said. "I want to give a clear sign to the school and the publishers that we’re committed as a state."
Moving learning into an eReader format will pave the way for further changes, including learning materials that offer interactive media, multiple language choices, different versions for different types of learners and audiovisual help, according to Hagman.
"I truly think that the way we’re seeing books right now will change in the near future," he said. "It’s not going to be just reading."
The Association of California School Administrators opposes the legislation over concerns that not all students may have access to eReaders, according an analysis by the Assembly Committee on Education.
