Video Game Replacement? I Hope So!

There are many times when I see kids with electronic machines shoved in front of their face; it usually frustrates me to no end, but a device like the new version of the Nook could possibly change my opinion on this. This Nook not only allows access to millions of books for adults, but is now incorporating children's books that can also be interactive. For a child who doesn't like to read, or who maybe doesn't have the capability to pay attention to a regular book for an extended period of time, this could be a great solution to them not reading at all. In my experience, children are usually very willing to play with new electronics. Giving them an interactive, electronic, educational version of their "video games" may get them more interested in reading, especially since this new Nook is in color (which might be more attractive!). There is also access to magazines; imagine being able to have access to a stack of Disney and Highlights magazines without the stack! Of course, as with all pros, come the cons. I am the kind of person who likes to hold an actual book, and flip through it. Some people may say this is useless, but as we have all learned in TE301 giving a child an actual book is a very important process for them to experience. They are able to learn what is the top and bottom of a book, where the beginning is, which way to flip the pages, etc. Having an actual book is a very important part of learning literacy, but I think once the basics are learned, the Nook is an incredible option for students to have access to sometimes. It could be a great way to send materials back and forth from home to school, and students with special needs could easily bring their reading materials back and forth from their gen. ed classrooms, to the basic and resource rooms, and to any other services they receive.