California has launched a major open-source electronic textbook (ebook) initiative which implements Governor Schwarzenegger’s vision of providing free textbooks and digital access to a standards-based curriculum. Rowland Baker had the honor of speaking with the Secretary of Education Dr. Glen Thomas, who helped put this initiative into action for high school math and science courses. In this interview, Dr. Thomas provides an overview of the program and where to find more information.
Resources to follow-up:
- Press release from the Governor
- CLRN’s digital textbook review and textbook list
- TICAL resources on ebooks
- Executive order for ICT digital leadership council
The rise in the mainstream use of open source software in education shows the need for low to no cost software. 
In the final interview, Steve addresses the public’s misconceptions regarding high bullying rates on social networks as well as sharing his views of ubiquitous use of social networks and social media for both teaching and learning and professional development. He explains the widespread use of this media by young people and how site monitoring is done by the users themselves.
