Educators need to be cautious that they don't pander to the students in a self-deluding way. Up-to-date textbooks with all the pages intact are perhaps a greater and more immediately beneficial tactic, for example. Going to school is much like going to the dentist - it's not meant to be "fun", but it *is* necessary and ultimately beneficial. Gadgets are much like the dentist's tools - I'd rather see a modern shiny stainless steel pick and drill than a rust scraper in my dentist's hand. A well equipped dentist's office makes going to the dentist much easier (and effective).

One thing I found about an eReader is that it engaged me to read more than I previously did - definitely because of the gadgetry involved (maybe it's a guy thing). If gadgets draw and maintain students' interest better and serves (not replaces) the process of learning, then this is great.

Definitely the use of slates in the classroom, I'd say, is inevitable, but, as we did with motor vehicles in the late 1800's, we have to learn how to use them safely