Many Schools Replacing Textbooks with iPads

Students in classrooms from Connecticut to California will receive a new accessory this fall when they return to school: an iPad tablet computer, sometimes in lieu of their traditional textbooks.

More than 600 public school districts have begun what they call "one-to-one" programs, in which at least one classroom of students is getting iPads for each child to use throughout the day.

Nearly two-thirds of those programs have been started since July. The highly competitive textbook industry is scrambling to develop textbook programs for the iPads.

Advocates say the lightweight tablet computers offer great resources for students, particularly since they have so many interactive features. But others watching the trend caution that districts need to ensure they can support the wireless network, repairs and other associated costs.