Should Schools provide us with books should we do virtual schooling?

[Sebastian]

Last year for English we weren't provided with Into the Wild by John Krakauer, a book we had to read. Instead we were provided with a pdf of the book. Reading the pdf on my computer hurt my eyes and made me feel sleepy, a lot of my friends felt the same way, but thankfully I was able to find the audiobook version online for free. However, I know not everyone likes audiobooks, and not all of the hundreds of students will be able to get the book from their libraries, so should those of us who are opting for virtual school be provided with books this year?

[Bally]

For this year honestly, because of the virus, making hundreds of kids take books home can be another way to spread germs if they’re to be returned, so I think audio books or eBooks would be wiser.

[Richard]

Sebastian,

You raised a very good question. Normally I think the schools should provide all required readings. If there is a choice then let the student decide which mode might best work for them. In regular times it would not be an issue, but I agree with Bally that Covid can make things complicated as far as returning books. We have to think what is the safest way to provide these materials first. I like digital forms and physical books. I do believe that the schools should provide the materials even if it not the best mode for everyone. We have to expect some limitations and deal with it the best way we can.
Richard

[Michelle]

I agree with Bally's comment about having e-books instead. Germs and bacteria are easily transmitted through hands. People that are not always keeping their hands clean could easily infect others if they get the germs onto the books. I also think physical books would be a lot more tedious to give out since it has to be clean before and after to minimize risk of exposure, so having digital copies makes the process less complicated for both the school and students. I can also see the point of pdfs and audiobooks not being everyone's cup of tea. So I think that if schools were to give out books, the students and school should be required to take the needed precautions to keep everyone safe and figure out way to deliver materials to those who needs it the most without the risk of infection.

[Manal]

I honestly think it depends on each student and their different way of learning. I know some people prefer to easily access it by opening up a new tab while others would rather feel the pages and have the physical book

[Isabella]

Manal wrote: "I honestly think it depends on each student and their different way of learning. I know some people prefer to easily access it by opening up a new tab while others would rather feel the pages and h..."

I agree with the point you made. Every student is different, which is why I think it would be wise to allow them to choose the method of reading/listening to a book provided by the school.