Are the days of the printed book numbered, or are eBooks a flash in the pan?

As you can imagine, many of the customers of Admiral have printed books.  And when they come to move house, they often have more books than space.  So sometimes they are faced with having to store books with Admiral for a while, or simply give them away to the local charity shop.

Now I must admit that for some time I’ve been thinking that this is the sort of situation which over time will come to an end what with people using Kindle, Kobo and other eBook readers.  It seems eBooks make up a fair old slice of book purchases in the UK.  Maybe a half of the fiction purchased, although a much smaller percentage of the non-fiction.

But now stories have started to emerge about how the book stores have stopped selling eBook readers, and indeed stopped dealing in eBooks too.

It turns out it all started to go wrong for eBooks a couple of years back when the first serious studies were undertaken which showed that readers who used a Kindle were significantly less able to remember what they had read, than people who read regular printed books.

The survey, which took place right across Europe showed that book readers were far better at recalling the events that were recounted in printed books than those who read the book in a digital version – irrespective of the type of book they were reading.  In fact, the finding was replicated both with fiction (such as detective stories) and non-fiction.

Readers who read on paper report more empathy and immersion in the book.  It seems they are more distanced from whatever they are reading if they read a digital book.

The technical explanation of this is that the tactile feedback of a Kindle does not provide the same support for the mind processing what is read as a printed book generally does.  The research also seems to suggest that the movement of turning the pages somehow helps us see the story or explanation develop (both in fiction and non-fiction).

These research findings have been replicated in various studies.  One study gave all the participants a novel to read.  Another in Norway gave year 10 students books to read in print or on the screen.   The results were always the same.

Another finding that has also emerged is that the amount of time spent reading long-form texts is declining, while reading is becoming more intermittent and fragmented.

Of course the manufacturers of eBook readers are not too happy and I am told they have been doing more and more research on this issue, but the results still keep coming in against them.

Indeed, even when they turn their research on the digital generation it seems they are finding that younger people are now changing their attitudes and have started to believe (in ever larger numbers) that that there is useful information that’s only available offline.

Students (whom we might assume are all too happy to read online all day and night) are much, much more likely to buy printed volumes for their studies by a ratio of about 9 to 1.

Indeed, students tend to opt for physical copies of books, even when digital versions are available for free.   This is particularly emphasised for humanities studies.  Science and maths students have a different view, but this could in part be due to the fact that increasingly research papers are being issued only online.

Yet another study showed that teenagers prefer printed books for personal use, too and have re-learned the old tradition of browsing in bookshops and libraries – indeed they rate these activities above hearing about a book on a social network.

And not surprisingly we come back to the issue raised earlier about connecting with what they read.   Students don’t connect emotionally nearly so much with on-screen texts as they do with printed books.

Meanwhile teachers who value the printed word are rejoicing in the fact that teenagers comprehend less of the information presented in digital books.

Parents are also still buying printed books to read with their children as it makes the story telling a shared activity.

And just to put the boot in further, it seems that eBooks can negatively impact your sleep – according to a study at Harvard University.

Last of all, there is that great excuse of those who can’t focus on one thing at a time (“I can multi-task”).  People who read digital books invariably find themselves engaged in far more multi-tasking than those who read printed text – often engaging in three times as much multi-tasking.

The problem with that is that although many people believe they can multitask quite happily, what all the scientific surveys show is that multi-tasking is a myth.  All one does is complete two tasks half as well as when working on a single task.

Of course that scientific finding which has been replicated over and over doesn’t stop people believing in multi-tasking – nothing is going to do that – but it helps explain why whatever one reads on an eBook sinks in far less.

Thus I set my worries aside.  The Admiral storage facilities which hold books will be holding books for some time to come.

You can find more information about our facilities on our website at www.admiralstorage.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call us on 0800 7839 516.

Admiral Self Storage Ltd
Bloxwich Lane
Walsall
WS2 8TF
Tel: 0800 810 1125

Email: info@admiralstorage.co.uk 

https://admiralstorage.co.uk

Dans Ma Chambre

Are you tired of creating your own PowerPoint presentations, only to find that you are forced to use uninspiring cartoons or internet images to convey your messages?  These images are often just not quite right.  Well, no more!  Our presentations use authentic resources in their proper French context.  These particular resources should be used initially with 11-12 year olds during their first year of learning French but then can subsequently be used as a revision tool for older students if necessary.

The presentation should be used to teach learners to describe their bedroom and also to use various (5) prepositions to say where items are in relation to other furniture.  These materials are to be used within the context of learning about the house/home in French.

The resources are multi-faceted in that they are used interactively from the beginning of the PowerPoint presentation to teach the required vocabulary to the class in a fun way.  Students work in pairs, individually and as a whole class throughout the lesson using visual, auditory and kinaesthetic activities to engage and motivate them.  The pace can be fast or slowed down as necessary for the students to assimilate the required lexis and can be used equally well with SEN learners.

They will enjoy the variety of activities, the competition, 2 written exercises and use the 4 skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in this lesson.  These resources have been developed by an experienced language teacher, used with a class and have consequently been proven to be effective, fun and engaging.

Dans Ma Chambre  26 Powerpoint/slides plus 4 word documents, 2 worksheets and 2 answer sheets.  £ 24.99 (including VAT £29.99  )  Order Code : H9232

Once purchased the CD can be freely copied and networked throughout the school.

To see sample pages please email info@classroom-resources.co.uk quoting the order code H9232.

You can order the Dans Ma Chambre in any of these ways:

  • On our website
  • By phone or fax on 0117 940 6409
  • By email (quoting a school order number) to info@classroom-resources.co.uk
  • By post to: Classroom Resources, 9 Logan Road, Bristol, BS7 8DU

Exceptional School Supplies

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The Buying Agency

The Buying Agency offers a new, unique service by comparing the markets’ suppliers for the products you require. How do you know you are getting the best price from the best supplier? You don’t, until you have used The Buying Agency to Compare the Market and the service is Free to use! Don’t buy at catalogue prices, we know suppliers can always do better. We Compare, You Save. Send us your enquiry today.

Contact: John Moulton
Email: john@thebuyingagency.org
Telephone: 01803 607440

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School Bottle

School Sport Bottles – NDA Packaging Services are an established, leading UK schools and business water bottle supplier.

Email: sales@ndaps.com
Telephone:
01792 863331
Postal address:
NDA (Packaging Services) Ltd, PO Box 516, Swansea, SA8 3YN, UK.

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First and Best in Education

Aprons – cream aprons with pockets, cream aprons without pockets, navy aprons with pockets, navy aprons without pockets.

Email: sales@firstandbest.co.uk
Telephone:
01536 399007
Postal address:
Hamilton House Mailings Ltd, Earlstrees Ct, Earlstrees Rd, Corby, Northants, NN17 4HH

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Signpost Educational Ltd

Dictionaries, Thesauri & the Essential Students’ Companion – Collins English dictionaries, the “Essential Students’ Companion”, Word Power dictionaries, Word Power thesauri, Word Power Pocket English dictionaries, School English dictionaries.

Calculators – basic calculators, Casio scientific calculators, LK 183 scientific calculators, Sharp scientific calculators, Texet scientific calculators and Aurora scientific calculators.

Calculator Storage Boxes – Gratnell’s storage boxes (with transparent clip-on lids and foam inserts for 30 basic or scientific calculators) are a convenient way of storing your classroom calcs.  The slots in the foam mean that you can see at a glance if any calcs are missing as well as providing protection for your calcs.

Geometry Sets – consists of a metal compass with 1/2 pencil, ballpen (black ink), 45 and 60 degree set squares, 180 degree protractor, 15 cm ruler, pencil sharpener, eraser, packed in a robust tin box.

Student Packs for Lessons and Exams – designed to provide your students with the equipment they need for most of their lessons and exams. Consists of a clear plastic, “exam friendly” zip up wallet containing: Three quality ballpens (black ink), two HB pencils, 15 cm ruler, metal sharpener, eraser.

Telephone: 020-7515-1797
Postal address:
SIGNPOST EDUCATIONAL LTD, PO Box 999, London, E14 6SH, UK

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You can find more Exceptional Teaching resources at exceptionalteaching.org.uk

Exceptional Art Teaching Resources

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First and Best in Education

Aprons – cream aprons with pockets, cream aprons without pockets, navy aprons with pockets, navy aprons without pockets.

Art Aid for Key Stage 3 – comprises a set of project sheets which have been especially developed for KS3 level by practising Art teachers. The approach involves encouraging students to be more independent in their research by giving them the opportunity to choose, select and make decisions as they become independent enquirers and learners.

Art and Design at Key Stage Three – this book will provide your students with support, advice and information about Art and Design at Key Stage 3. It will provide them with invaluable guidance on skills, methods and materials and will show them how to do well in the subject at this level.

Arty Tasks – incorporates step by step instructions for 35 separate projects each of which requires pupils to produce a piece of artwork based on the work of a selection of artists as diverse as Georgia 0’Keeffe and Joseph Cornell.

Teaching Art to KS3/KS4 – Teaching Art to KS3 / KS4 is a highly illustrated book of lesson ideas. The bulk of the book covers a series of 10 skill based lessons for KS3 & 4, a series of projects involving working with industry and reports on making links with art schools.

Cross Curricular Art – contains over 40 project sheets and links art to seven different subject areas.  Within the Art, RE and Citizenship section, for example, there are projects which encourage pupils to consider what makes a good citizen, faiths and communities, the architecture of Gaudi and other design ideas.

Presenting Research in Art and Design – This book is an effective and invaluable guide to putting together a case study, something which can often present difficulty to students due to lack of confidence and lack of the necessary skills for the successful completion of work.

Email: sales@firstandbest.co.uk
Telephone:
01536 399007
Postal address:
Hamilton House Mailings Ltd, Earlstrees Ct, Earlstrees Rd, Corby, Northants, NN17 4HH

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UniTasterDays

Search Taster Day Events – helps Art teachers discover an array of events to book their students on to, such as university and college taster days, workshops, residentials, open days, outreach events and widening participation opportunities.

Email: info@unitasterdays.com
Telephone:
+44(0)208 798 0982

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ZigZag Education

Art Teaching Resources – Art teaching resources for KS3.

Email: sales@ZigZagEducation.com
Telephone:
0117 950 3199
Postal address:
ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol, BS10 5PY

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You can find more Exceptional Teaching resources at exceptionalteaching.org.uk

It’s simple, it’s low cost and it’s an effective solution to the problem of students turning up for lessons or exams without pens, rulers, pencils etc.

The “Student Essentials set” contains all your students need for most lessons and exams.

Three quality black ink pens, two full length HB pencils, metal sharpener, 15cm rule and an eraser, all contained in a clear “exam friendly”  PVC wallet with a zip slider.

From just  75p each, (ex vat) the “Student Essentials set”  is an economical and effective way of ensuring that students don’t miss out because they’ve forgotten to bring the right kit to lessons or exams.

Details at: www.signposteducational.co.uk/student-packs/

If you need more information please email: info@signposteducational.co.uk or phone 020 7515 1797 and ask to speak to Martin Evans who will be pleased to assist.

PS.  Orders can be made via email, phone, fax (020 7515 4420) or post.

How can schools create a manageable computing journey at Key Stage 2 when there are so many free tools to use?

In the run up to the launch of the new computing curriculum, as well as after it was phased in, there was a collective intake of breath from teachers up and down the country as they absorbed what it all meant.

For many teachers the notion of writing and debugging programs or explaining simple algorithms was well beyond their every-day experience and certainly not in their training.

Fortunately at the time there was already a string of free web based tools out there to use and a couple of these have proved really successful like Scratch from MIT & Daisy the Dinosaur.

Thankfully, it also seems sometimes that many children tend to be a little more fearless with technology – a strength when it comes to Computing!

With all the free tools that some school enthusiasts started to champion it soon became apparent that while they were free there was little if any support or influence on how products developed – how could there be if the tool was free?

The result for some schools has been a bird’s nest of logins for different tools, varying user interfaces, unreliable work saving and patchy levels of school service. Factors like these undermine teacher confidence who just want it to work. Schools love saving money but when the cost is not having a reliable learning environment then its surely too high.

The mission at Blippit has been to get key elements of the computing curriculum under one roof and to help develop curious learners through authentic learning – even to the point of publishing apps (with the teacher’s approval) on our free app store, Planet Blippit.

Blippit IO, through its powerfully simple tools, opens the door to computational thinking, logical reasoning and unexpectedly – writing.  You can use our templates or just create your own.

To try Blippit IO for your school just visit us here and if you decide that Blippit IO would serve your schools needs you can upgrade here.

If you have any questions or queries about Blippit IO please do call 01772 657 100 or email support@blippit.co.uk  John Bidder

What exactly are ethics, and how to do they change?

From Utilitarianism to Deontological Ethics, from Virtue Ethics to Free will and Determinism there are a lot of ethical systems around.

And that is before we get to environmental ethics, medical ethics (including abortion, euthanasia and embryo research) and business ethics.

So what are they all, and how exactly they relate to religious ethics?

That is the question that “Religious Ethics” by Francis Beswick examines, considering ethical thinking in relation to various religious traditions, while considering how religious and secular ethics differ from each other.

The book commences with the phrase “I ought to …” and notes that from this kind of statement ethics, whether it be secular or religious ethics, begins.

Throughout the book the student is aided by a large number of questions presented for consideration which take the student back to the various topics that have been covered in order to ensure that each different ethical system and viewpoint is understood.

Religious Ethics is available as a copiable spiral bound book or on CD Rom. The book comes with an unlimited photocopiable licence for the school, and costs £21.99 plus £3.95 delivery for either the book or CD. If you wish to buy both together the price is £28.98 plus £3.95 delivery.

You can order in four different ways. In each case please quote our reference T1697emn. Sample pages and a contents list can be viewed prior to ordering on http://pdf.firstandbest.co.uk/re/T1697.pdf