The Apple Education Keynote is over, and we now know how Apple envisions the Textbook 2.0. One could initially suspect that Apple, with this step, only wants to bind children even earlier to the brand and especially the products, but I think that’s not really their only motivation. One of the essential differences between Apple and the competitors in the market was and is that they simply look at what the user uses and offer a solution for the need. However, they don’t just focus on the tool (MacBooks, iPads) but also on the content consumed on them. Definitely not a wrong approach if you want to be economically successful in the long term.

There’s plenty of information and commentary online about the features of iBook 2, iBook Author, and the new iTunes U app. I’d like to focus on one feature of the textbooks first: Flashcards

Flashcards are available as an option. Creation is really simple and also automated. But I see a problem in this - for me, the first learning success came when writing such cards.

Digital textbooks make sense, but they alone are not the solution to the problems.

It will be exciting to see whether educational institutions will insist on open standards. This should be regulated promptly. Especially with information, it’s important that it’s not tied to a standard or even a manufacturer.

But at least Apple is waking up the industry again, and they will have to react. I just fear it will be more of a reaction like in the music industry. First, resist progress and try to save the old model.

Cheers, Lars