Horizon Report

Most technology buffs already know the Horizon Report (2011) is a great source of upcoming, innovative technologies that will most likely “have a large impact over the coming five years on a variety of sectors around the globe” (p. 2). We have already seen the addiction most Americans have with their mobile phones, smartphones, iPods, and much more. Most electronic geeks already have their hands on an electronic book (Kindle, Nook) but many Americans are still debating this endeavor. I, for one, still enjoy highlighting passages, taking notes in the margin, and being able to read in bed. Apparently all of the above can be done with an electronic book! Electronic books hit Main Street within the past year or so, and have started to transform our definition of reading, learning, and studying. Gone are the days of lugging around a 20-pound backpack, killing millions on trees, and the never-ending search for a pen.

Electronic books with web browsing ability such as iPads and Samsung Galaxy are making reading a more social and collaborative activity, engaging readers, instead of isolating people. Some universities are thinking about switching to electronic textbooks, which would “secure cheaper buying options for the students” (p. 9) that is, if you already own an electronic book. Stanford University School of Medicine has begun to utilize this tool by supplying their medical students with iPads to provide them with interactive study materials (graphics, videos) to maximize their free time in between classes without the heavy backpack (featured on page 10). As I continue to travel home to Rhode Island for holidays and special occasions, it’s usually a toss-up for which textbook (or magazines) I’ll bring with me, having an electronic book I could bring them all!

Now, take a moment and think back to grade school, when you first learned to read. Everyone was so excited to hear to read a short story, and as you became a stronger reader, what happened? They asked you to “whisper read” or “read yourself” or “spend 20 minutes in your bedroom reading... to yourself”. Now imagine a classroom (or household) with an electronic book with web browsing, children are able to read wherever, whenever, and share it or publish a video with whomever they wish. A treasure to all those parents overseas. Children could access interactive, online websites to strengthen their academics, while on vacation, or at the dentist office. As an elementary educator I envision positive learning experiences for children with a variety of learning needs, with and without support, when utilizing an electronic book. “The promise offered by the technology is such that electronic books are being explored in virtually every discipline” (p. 9). Endless possibilities will arise from this new phenomenon.