Georgia Independent Schools Launch Digital Initiative to Replace Textbooks
As part of an effort to reduce dependence on print textbooks, the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA)--an association of private, independent, and parochial schools--will give schools access to Net Texts, a cloud-based system where educators can collaborate to develop their own learning media or courses.
Educators will use the system, which includes a large library of OERs, to help create and publish lessons, accessible via tablets or computers. Teachers can collaborate on lessons, or remix others’ work.
"In many independent schools, teachers may use bits and pieces of textbooks, but then write their own curriculum to fill in areas the textbooks don’t address," said Katherine Quinn-Shea, director of marketing for Net Texts in a statement.
The partnership is specifically focused on middle and high schools within GISA. Several schools across the state have already been using the system to some degree of success. "We have seen improvements in our ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) scores and Net Texts is a big part of that," said Karen P. Vogtner, principal at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, a member of GISA. "It makes teaching and learning exciting."
About the Author
Stephen Noonoo is an education technology journalist based in Los Angeles. He is on Twitter @stephenoonoo.