Learning about learning from Benjamin Franklin

Last week I viewed a remarkable interview of Ralph Nader on C-SPAN's In-Depth program. While I do not agree with much of what Nader says, I respect him for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

During the interview Nader talked about Benjamin Franklin, who is one of his heroes. Nader said:

Franklin is the demonstration of the power of self-education. He came from nowhere—was curious, observant—and taught himself. With all the current talk about education, there was never any reference to self education, which, of course, is the only way to learn. Instead we have a bureaucratic process of education when self education should be the progenitor. Anyone who wants to teach their children should learn from the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin who once said "he was born too early and in the wrong century." Franklin was a diplomat, writer, negotiator, merchant, printer, publisher, inventor—all self taught.

While we must continue to embrace all forms of education, it is most important to stress life-long learning and the value of having a curious mind.

The world of publishing is undergoing a revolution with new technologies and devices to provide accessibility to learning we would not have dreamed of just a few short years ago.

At the same time the value of great intellectual content is as important as ever. Now, though, we can imbed huge amounts of content through the use of technology and broadcast it instantly around the globe.

Devices like the iPad allow publishers to insert video, photos, audio clips, links to websites, blogs, you name it within and next to the written word. Unlike one dimensional e-readers such as Kindle and Nook, iPad type devices can provide a much richer experience. Within the next year or two there will be an incredible number of new products with even more capabilities. We are just scratching the surface.

While some my bemoan the transition from printed books to these multichannel electronic devices, we must embrace this new technology and use it to its utmost. After all, what would Benjamin Franklin do?

My bet is that ole Ben would be at the forefront of this new technology.

When you think iPad think couch

This past weekend I read and watched many reviews on Apple's new iPad. What many of the reviewers were trying to figure out was how this new device would be used. Some looked at it as competition for the laptop. Others said it was like a oversized iPod touch. Still others wondered why the iPad did not have a built-in camera. Finally one reviewer said something that made sense to me. He said the iPad was for use on the couch because it is more a receptive device than a creative device.

Perfect.

He is right. I would not use an iPad as a replacement for my laptop. Instead I would use it while relaxing on a couch. Much like I'd read a book or watch television. In fact, I'd use it instead of paging through a book or flipping through the television remote.

From a publishing perspective, if people use the iPad in place of a conventional book then it is important to publish in all formats from print to digital. Early evidence shows during the first weekend over 200,000 books were downloaded. With around 300,000 total units sold during that time this means two book downloads for every three iPads sold. A huge number given the general slow pace of digital downloads sold in relation to how many e-books have sold industry wide most weeks.

Beyond the number of books downloaded so far, growth in iPad book sales will undoubtedly explode over the next several months. The reason is because, unlike other so-called e-readers, the iPad has a full color display and allows added content to be embedded in its pages. For example, imagine reading a cookbook and being able to click on a color photo and have a video screen appear showing the actual preparation of the recipe. Or how about a book about a famous musician whose recordings can be accessed from the pages of the book.

In the next several months, as developers are able to create new apps, the iPad will benefit from a wealth of new programs that no one yet has imagined.

We are only just scratching the surface on the capabilities of this ingenious device.

What do you think about the Apple iPad?

Can you see yourself owning an iPad at some point?

How would you use an iPad?