Viewers Voice
Viewers debate textbook electronic conversion in schools
Under a new Florida law, your kids' backpack could be lighter in the next few years.
"This is just part of Gov. Scott's strategy to increase learning opportunities and options for students and their parents." Joe Donzelli said.
That's because public schools must switch from traditional textbooks to digital ones by 2015.
Lee School District spokesperson Joe Donzelli says the district has crunched the numbers.
It will cost 49 million bucks for paper textbooks over the next 5 years.
But having to switch to e-books will double that cost.
It'll be $98.2 million, when you factor in replacement and maintenance costs.
“The district is looking to cut 50 million from its budget. Where is the money going to come from for these E-books? For another generation we would call that the $64,000 question. For us that's the $49 million dollar question.” Joe Donzelli said.
Many of you are voicing your opinions about the textbook transition and going high tech.
William posting on Facebook: “What happens if a child can't do the work when one breaks down? Do they get excused from the work or get a zero for it?”
Chad writes on our wall: “Probably a good thing as long as the state supplies them.”
Ashley texting our Viewer's Voice line: “We need to think of what is more important, the people who are educating the children or iPads. We can't afford to lose teachers. Textbooks work just fine.”
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