What is the future of American education and how will technology affect it? You may have read about recent events in Austin, Texas regarding the School board's curriculum decisions. Based on their conservative views, the board made some rather controversial decisions concerning what should or should not be included in their textbooks.

Because Texas is one of the largest text book purchasers in the U.S., the curriculum they choose is often used by the publishers nationwide— influencing what children are taught throughout the country. Obviously, there is a lot at stake.

My intent is not to discuss political implications, but rather the influence technology, and more specifically the iPad can have on our childrens’ education.

Right now, decisions made by a School Board in Austin are affecting what kids in San Francisco or New York are taught. Publishers simply cant’ afford to create different textbooks for each state or school district. It’s not fair, but it has been unavoidable—up until now.

But, what if a publisher could create a unique textbook for your individual school district? What if it could even include content on your specific area—the history of a nearby mission or the biography on a local hero? The possibilities are incredibly exciting, albeit somewhat troubling in other aspects.

The doors to this new kind of publishing may open in the very near future. Schools will very soon be using digital textbooks that are easily customized for a school and possibly even an individual student. Imagine a teacher using a few clicks and swipes of the finger to customize a student's whole curriculum to suit that child's needs. This may seem far fetched to some, but anybody who has used an iPhone or Facebook knows otherwise.

Apple has always had a strong presence in the schools, so it is not unreasonable to think they will adopt the new iPad. And when they do, the Apple iPad is going to change the education system in ways we have never dreamed of. Let me rephrase that. The iPad has the potential to change things dramatically—if the school boards and leaders allow it to happen.