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AIBU?

To think 10/11 year olds should be given an actual book?

234 replies

DinDjarin · 26/01/2023 21:01

DD(10)'s homework this week is to read up to page 10 in the book they are reading in class. The teacher has scanned (badly, so there's an inch or two of black around the wonky page) every single page of the book and uploaded it as a pdf on google drive. DD says they don't have a copy of the book in class.

I think they should be reading from a book at this age.

YABU - this is fine
YANBU - they should be given a copy of the book

PS is it even legal to scan and distribute a book like that?

OP posts:

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Triffid1 · 26/01/2023 21:03

I can't comment on legality. But schools don't have endless budgets. Reading online is fine.

IDontCareMatthew · 26/01/2023 21:04

It's the reading that's important

No need for a waste of paper on books for 30+ kids!

SirSamVimesCityWatch · 26/01/2023 21:05

They won't have copies. They can't afford to buy copies.

But yes, it's a shit way to read and it's most likely breaking copyright.

Seaweasel · 26/01/2023 21:05

The school will have the right to photocopy a percentage of the book. They probably can't afford to buy a class set. Teachers would love the children to have their own copies in class. Did you mean the whole book was photocopied or just up to page 10?

Ibouncetothebeat · 26/01/2023 21:05

Another reason why you should support the teacher strikes. There’s no money

DinDjarin · 26/01/2023 21:05

The whole book has been scanned including front and back cover.

OP posts:

Jenn3112 · 26/01/2023 21:07

Yes they should be reading from a book. So buy a copy. Easy.

Seaweasel · 26/01/2023 21:07

It'll be down to the school being strapped for cash then. There is no money.

Isittimetogohomeyet · 26/01/2023 21:08

We've had to been advised to buy our own copies if we don't like it - state school in a far from affluent area.

Paq · 26/01/2023 21:08

I would buy my kid the actual book. At that age I don't want them looking at screens any longer than they have to.

Seventh wealthiest country in the world and schools can't afford to buy books for kids. Insane.

bluebeardswife7 · 26/01/2023 21:08

I would just buy a copy of the book so my child had a hard copy. (And I have done this) you can get them second hand for a couple of quid from Amazon.

NerdyBird · 26/01/2023 21:08

If they have scanned the whole book then it's infringement as the licenses don't cover that. Mind you I can't think that a publisher would find out or pursue an action anyway.

Some people find reading on a screen tricky, and scans aren't very accessible.

Forever42 · 26/01/2023 21:09

Yes, would be lovely of we had enough books for everyone but there is zilch money. If I want a new book to read/teach with my class I usually buy it myself from Amazon.

sunshineandshowers40 · 26/01/2023 21:09

Buy the book, get a copy from the library. Schools do not have the money to buy each pupil a book.

bluebeardswife7 · 26/01/2023 21:10

Also, reading actual books is habit forming. The good kind.

somoslagente · 26/01/2023 21:10

whilst i agree that i would prefer to have my child read an actual book-- maybe they dont have the budget to buy each kid a book - so it is better than nothing.

as i understand it the school has the right to copy x amount of pages or the full book with permission - for educational purposes.

Chickenly · 26/01/2023 21:10

Yes it’s legal. It would be covered under fair use. If she scanned it and posted the whole thing online publicly it could become an issue (depending on the book).

Did you not see the multiple threads about school funding?

Azandme · 26/01/2023 21:11

DinDjarin · 26/01/2023 21:05

The whole book has been scanned including front and back cover.

If they have the correct license and it's only for academic purposes they can. Our uni library can provide copies of anything to use in online courses or to print as long as they own an original.

youshouldnthaveasked · 26/01/2023 21:12

What is the book?

mikado1 · 26/01/2023 21:12

Dreadful. I'm in Ireland and I can just borrow a class set of a novel from the local library. Surely that's possible?

Spendonsend · 26/01/2023 21:12

It might be out of copyright. Schools do get licenses but its normally restricted to a certain %.

ScrollingLeaves · 26/01/2023 21:12

Of course they should be given a book.

Probably they are truly too under funded to be able to afford it though.

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WelcomedHome · 26/01/2023 21:13

I'm sure the school would be delighted if you bought a full class set.

FelinaTalons · 26/01/2023 21:13

Buy the book version then

harrassedmumto3 · 26/01/2023 21:15

Do you have any idea how many pupils would forget to return the books?
Trust me, I know, I work in a school!

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