With the birth of the modern computer came a new era of learning in schools, and it seems that now, with the unprecedented rise of handheld technology, the way in which little ones learn in the classroom may soon be in for a radical overhaul.

It isn't hard to believe that children will be more inspired by the use of fashionable technology like the iPad compared to the now ‘archaic’ textbook, which in comparison must seem positively dull to enquiring young minds growing up in a world of dazzling technology.

But whilst the insidious rise of modern technology has undeniably raided parents’ homes, lives and pockets – is its foray into the classroom a step too far?

“Schools have adopted much of the technology because they know they have to compete with the commercial media in trying to gain the attention of their pupils.” Lynne Taylor-Gooby, head of The Royal School in Surrey says, suggesting that teachers favouring traditional models of teaching will soon find themselves ‘swimming against a powerful technological tide.’

The heated technology debate has been freshly ignited over Apple’s recent venture into the education sector, with the launch of iBooks 2 - the world’s first dedicated eTextbook app.

Apple claims the new technology offers an ‘entirely new kind of textbook that’s dynamic, engaging and truly interactive’.

“Education is deep in Apple’s DNA and the iPad may be our most exciting education product yet,” says Phillip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

And he isn’t wrong.

With over 1.5 million iPads already in use in education institutions, the iPad is rapidly being adopted by schools around the world.

“With iBooks 2 for iPad, students have a more dynamic, engaging and truly interactive way to read and learn, using the device they already love.”

But is it time to wave goodbye to the good old-fashioned textbook just yet? Perhaps not, but it’s difficult to condemn a medium which engages children and makes school a more inviting – and exciting – place for youngsters to be.