Eclectic Technology

"There are several big movements underway that are worthy of debate and possible consideration as we look to help education become the 21st century, user-centered, on-demand, engaging, technology-centric activity that it has not been for much of its existence. Game-based learning (GBL), or gamification, is one of the models that commonly gets touted as a cure-all for the problems with education because of the popularity of gaming in our society (New Media Institute). While there are problems with the gamification movement as it currently stands, the model has several areas in which it differs sufficiently from traditional education to make it an intriguing possibility. Here is a look at several of those differences."

Topics discussed include authenticity, student engagement, creativity and innovative thinking, and cost, as well as a discussion on the debate that exists over game based learning. 

A look at what the costs are with iPad textbooks versus traditional paper bound copies...

"There has been a push to replace books in the educational arena for some time now. This push hasn’t been in Washington or school board meeting rooms even though they are happening there as well. The big push is happening in the minds of students who are growing increasingly tablet-savvy and almost “spoiled” to the point that paper-products are old, almost archaic."

There is an infographic with this article that looks at the ongoing debate called 'Can Apple Do It Again? How Apple's iBooks will change the way we iLearn."