Durham students becoming e-book authors, thanks to Duke program

Kindergartners at Lakewood Elementary School in Durham have been learning to read “Green,” by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

Librarian Debbie Darwin says it’s one of her favorite books, and she’s hoping to help the students create an e-book based on “Green.”

“When it’s finished, we’re going to let the whole world see it,” Darwin said.

It's one of the projects Duke University is sponsoring with its Technology Mentor Program. Thanks to an endowment from PepsiCo, Duke University Libraries are bringing high-tech educational projects like that into Durham Public Schools’ classrooms.

“It's something that grabs kids. We're trying to get more kids engaged and reading with their families,” said David Stein, Duke’s education technology coordinator.

Earlier this year, the program gave students a chance to experience a hands-on surgical training simulation. It brought classroom lessons to life. That's what organizers hope the e-book lesson will accomplish with the young readers.

“They're excited to be authors and illustrators. They know what that means. They're only 5 or 6, and soon, they'll know what it's like to be published, too,” Darwin said.