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Sacramento – Today the State Assembly approved a measure authored by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D – Woodland Hills) that will expand the use of digital textbooks in schools.  The bill, AB 1390, would remove current law’s prohibition on using state instructional material funds to purchase laptops, Kindles or other electronic devices that are needed to access digital educational products.

“California is the home of high tech innovations.  It is unfathomable that our laws still contain impediments to the widespread use of technology by school children,” Blumenfield said.

“The students of the 21st century are the first generation to grow up with wireless Internet, portable electronic devices and computers.  They are inspired by technology.  Kids with access to technology are not only capable and confident with it, they relate to it the way previous generations related to paper and textbooks.  There is no possible justification for limiting a school district’s ability to fully utilize digital textbooks,” he said.

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Presenting his education technology bill on the Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Blumenfield engages in debate.

Broader use of digital textbooks will have an important health benefit as well.  Many of today’s students carry more than 40 pounds of textbooks on their backs, leading to a lifetime of chronic back problems.  By enabling them to carry just one device containing the content of multiple books, this emerging health problem can be avoided.

In addition, use of digital textbooks can save money on printing and distribution.  And, digital textbooks can help poorer schools that are often left with out-of-date textbooks gain access to the latest information.

The bill now moves to the State Senate for review.