With the introduction of Apple’s iPad in January, questions abounded regarding its potential impact on digital education. Could the iPad revolutionize how students learn? With textbook publishers jumping on board to develop iPad-compatible versions of their books even before the product was available for sale, the Apple product seemed to take the lead in next-generation educational technology. But what about Amazon.com’s popular book reader the Kindle, or the recent glut of affordable, stripped down laptop computers dubbed “netbooks”? Can any of them compete with good old-fashioned books? Here’s a rundown of what each has to offer. (more…)

Here are some more vintage ads for correspondent courses, this time focusing on the more unusual course options…
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Before the Internet, people who didn’t have the time or money to attend in-person classes used to learn long distance through something called “the mail.” (more…)

College application essays can be nerve-wracking affairs, but some schools (particularly the University of Chicago) try to ease the tension with lighthearted, creative and just plain odd questions. Depending on your personality, though, this sort of essay might make you even more stressed. Try practicing on these past examples, the oddest of the odd college application essay questions.

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Coursesmart, a joint venture of five college textbook publishers, has produced this nifty video showcasing the potential of e-textbooks in conjunction with tablet PCs. (more…)