The Harder They Come

      Inkling has developed the best software for college students on the most sophisticated technology platform, the iPad; yet, the application Inkling has created does not have its target market in mind. The application that features “a textbook with features,” including a search option, social networking capabilities, and “Eye-popping pulchritude” works only with the iPad console and the books available are mostly lower-division, undergraduate textbooks. The ebook and related software developed for college students should be a less expensive alternative, more interactive learning experience, and be supported on normal as well as luxury systems.

      Textbooks cost between $100 and $200 for each class. When a student is enrolled in three to five classes each term for a minimum of eight terms, book costs, undoubtedly, become very high. I intend to spend more than four years in school and stand to face higher book costs than a typical four-year student. Moreover, new editions come out often and bookstores are often unwilling to purchase the used book at the end of the semester if a new edition is expected; and, if they are repurchased, textbooks are bought back at a fraction of the cost. On a side note, last semester I found a copy of my accounting textbook online for $70 and at the end of the year I sold it to the bookstore for $85. But I did so with a feeling of vindication for the unjust prices the bookstore charges and the unrelenting updates the editors push every year. I barely cracked the book just to get key terms for each chapter; this is common, students are required to purchase an expensive book that often is only used as “reference” to the rest of the lecture.

      The semester prior to the one just mentioned I was in my first accounting class, ever. I wanted to do really well in the class and I was very motivated to learn the material so I stayed late in the library and attempted the assignments in the back of each chapter. This proved difficult on some of the more in-depth questions. I might spend two hours filling in a balance sheet from the information given only to find out that my answers are wrong when I check the answer in the back of the book. The answer in the back of the book is just an answer; there is no process detailed in the back of the book to help me understand how to solve the question correctly. The software pioneered by Inkling removes that exact barrier by creating interactive quizzes that test a student’s knowledge with immediate results and through step by step instruction if the student runs into any problems along the way. Further, it allows for social networking within the class to better connect the students with one another if there are any questions. Where there is limited space in a textbook to quiz a student about which accounts belong to receivables, payables, long-term investments, short-term investments, etc., there is more space in an ebook to randomize a matching component so the student is better prepared to determine which account a carpet cleaning expense is classified under for a firm.

      Many of the problems the ebook is prepared to alleviate include the price of the product designed as well as advances assisting the student with his or her course. The driving issue with the great new software developed by Inkling is the inaccessibility to the typical student. As previously mentioned, the textbooks available for download are for young, undergraduate students who are not likely to have the iPad at a cost of nearly $700. The laptop personal computer has just recently become close to a normal good for the college consumer, while the iPad is easily still a luxury good, a novelty despite the appealing nature of its capability.

     When I was a student at Sacramento City College, affectionately referred to as Sacramento Inner-city College, I was humbled by the “new-ness” of computers by a large number of students. Poverty is a disadvantage passed down -- though not through genetics. Computers are becoming less expensive and decent models are available to lower income students, these students are now becoming familiar with the benefits of computer technology, yet are still burdened with the high cost of books and the obtuse nature of the work in classes that will provide the most advantage. The students who were left behind when personal computers were introduced are now being left behind by the overwhelming interest in the iPad.

      I refuse to take for granted the excellent education I received in grade school and the positive role models of my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who are all college graduates. When the best learning tools are provided to those who need them the least, whilst those who need the most help are held at arm’s length by four letters: MSRP, it begs the question put forth by Michael Franti of the musical group Spearhead: “Are we a part of the solution or a part of the pollution?” Do I believe President Obama is a socialist? No. Do I believe I am a socialist? No. Do I believe there should be greater equality in our country? Yes; and, I believe that measures of social equality should be begun in the government. That does not mean I dislike the software created by Inkling; in fact, their software is what I wanted to create with a firm -- that is until my friend emailed me a link to their website and showed me my idea had already been started.

      Access to cheaper textbook information and a better learning experience, available to a student on any computer device used by him or her not only makes common sense, but it is a sound environmental decision as well. Inkling has made great strides forward in the transition to a more integrated technological society. My only hope is the software is created on an open source that other developers can push the important facets of the technology into platforms and hardware accessible by the majority of students who do not have the economic liberty to purchase an iPad this semester. Parting words to Inkling: Great work, please keep it up and continue to digitize more textbooks and keep the prices in line with the axiom that information for all of society is a greater benefit than the bottom line of your firm. (I guess that is the little socialist in me speaking.)

Update: If I could afford one, I would have an iPad and would be spending money with Inkling (if my classes were offered) because it is exactly what would help my studying. Nevertheless, I am very fortunate and grateful for what I do have.

To Start, Begin With An Idea

My newly improved blog will be an exercise in shipping new ideas. Long time friend John Grubb directed my attention to a author and blogger Seth Goodin. Seth's blog has some good thoughts that were brought to my attention at the right time to maintain my motivation.

Seth's suggestion was to blog each day, about an idea of how I might improve a business, for a month and witness the shift in my ability to ship new ideas. Every day is more than I can commit myself to; therefore, I will commit to once a week for the duration of the Fall 2010 semester.

The first post will count for the next week; and, seeing how today is Sunday, let's make Sunday the deadline for each week. Fore...