Secondary schools in Ireland are making the digital switchover, as ebooks increasingly replace traditional texts.

The Sunday Times reports how the Educational Company of Ireland has already sold the digital devices to 30 schools nationwide, with this figure expected to top 100 by September.

Students are able to read the books using Apple iPads and other tablets, with 80 educational texts having been converted into ebooks by the Dublin-based publisher.

Presenting the material in this form could save schools a considerable sum, as if they buy in bulk the ebooks are on average 35 per cent cheaper than hard copies.

However, spokeswoman for the National Parents Council Post-Primary Jackie O'Callaghan said patchy broadband coverage will make the uptake of digital devices in schools unequal.

"Before publishers go down the road of an ebook war, we have to get broadband sorted first," she stated.

The NPCPP aims to give parents a voice and partnership in the national education system.

Written by Donal Walsh

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