With school lessons numbering between 6 and 8 per day, a Russian school pupil would typically take in his backpack some 6 textbooks, plus additional materials and exercise-books. On top of that, many schools require a child to bring a pair of shoes to change in from his streetwear, and needless to say, for your Physical Training lessons you also need to have a uniform and trainers with you. Altogether, the weight of "knowledge" the child typically carries on his back and shoulders varies between 5 and 8 kilos - too much for gentle juvenile bone system.

      Last year 53 schools in Kazan (the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan) changed regular textbooks to PocketBook electronic readers. Although the pupils still have to take with them the footwear change and exercise-books, the weight of textbooks is practically eliminated. Now St. Petersburg, dubbed the Russian Northern capital, follows in Kazan's footsteps, introducing PlasticLogic electronic readers in 6 schools.

      The experts have little doubt that the experiment will lead to success. In Kazan, the grades in secondary and high school classes have risen by 25-30%, with pupils enjoying the new way of studying. Similar hopes are relished by Petersburg's Education Committee. Teachers also share enthusiasm for new technologies. They admit that using an electronic reader in the classroom will lead to pupils gaining access to additional literature on the subject, not to mention helping them to learn the methods of using new gadgets. The only question is illustrative materials, in which printed textbooks are traditionally very rich. Electronic readers do not normally provide illustrations, so this is something that teachers may have to develop separately.

      The PlasticLogic e-readers are provided with a flexible LCD screen that is completely safe for children and does not cause eye strain. Until recently the methods of using the screen have not been particularly lucid. Hopefully, now the situation will change. In September 2011, PlasticLogic has announced the availability of PlasticLogic 100 designed especially for education purposes. This is the model that will be introduced in St. Petersburg schools.

      As PlasticLogic 100 press-release reads, "Everything is controlled by a finger touch display. Tap on a textbook: It automatically opens to the page where you left off. Swipe your finger from right to left to turn the page. The Plastic Logic 100 also has unique features designed to help students learn. For example, students can quickly underline and annotate a text – to help them easily recall important information. Have a question for the teacher or studying for a test. Use the virtual keyboard to make a note on a page. "Bookmark" a page for easy reference, or use the powerful search tool to find something in their textbooks."

      We can only join in wishing St. Petersburg and PlasticLogic a successful school year ahead!

      Source: Science and Technologies, PlasticLogic.

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