When old + new = huh?
Posted on: October 7, 2012
I found out about this metropolitan station in Romania that houses a library of sorts.
There are no actual books there. Just covers or boxes with QR codes. When scanned the QR codes allow users to download and buy e-books.
At first I thought this was a good idea. It makes interesting use of a public space, uses a current technology, and gets the general public to read. But have you heard of Amazon and other electronic book stores?
My mind wandered to what happens in many schools. There seem to be interesting interventions in the classroom space using current technology in order to get learners to read and explore.
Like the Romanian installation, these are sometimes large and loud so they can be showcased. Unlike the installation, schools are not (supposed to be) in the business of advertising or making money.
There are often better, more efficient, and more effective ways integrating technology meaningfully. These are often transparent, cheaper, and leverage on a culture of use.
