Several Brooklyn Classrooms Go Textbook-Free

by Blaine Kaniewski, Stephanie Colombini | 11/19/2014 | 5:49pm

Several Brooklyn Classrooms Go Textbook-Free

Textbooks may become the dinosaurs of learning resources in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has unveiled a pilot program to create textbook-free classrooms in three Brooklyn elementary schools this year. 
 
Adams says some of these schools' textbooks are so outdated, they're older than the students.
 
"We cannot continue to have a rotary phone technology in our smart phone age," he said. "That is what our children need to learn from, and that is what this is all about."
 
Adams says the program will be tested on 250 students. He says they'll be given iPads to use in their classrooms as alternatives to books.  The iPads will be equipped with a learning app called Copita Class that allows students to access reading materials, complete homework assignments and interact with their teachers.
 
Teacher Jackie Haggins says it allows her to engage with her students and easily access their assignments. 
 
"A lot of times, as an educator, we miss some things, or we aren't as quick as we can be, because we have to wait to get their papers and then grade them," she said.  "But with this, we're sitting in class, they can post a comment and I can immediately give them feedback."
 
Haggins and other teachers using Copia Class say they've only had a few minor problems with the app so far. And they say the app's developers are quick to provide technical support. 
 
 

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