Textbook vs. Technology: Beauty Schools Find a Balance

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Textbook vs. Technology: Beauty Schools Find a Balance

Published: July 12, 2009
by Rosanne Ullman

As you explore the different cosmetology schools in your area, perhaps you’re asking older relatives or friends who are in the beauty industry for advice. Their input is valuable for many reasons, but you still should visit the schools yourself because I have to tell you: today’s institution is not your mother’s beauty school. Newer technologies are changing the game every day.

Right now, this is focused on DVDs as a training tool that supplements the instructor’s live demonstration, but other technologies are popping up as well. For example, Empire Schools’ classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards “designed for creative people who learn better by seeing and doing than reading a standard cosmetology textbook.” The best textbook companies—Milady is a prime example—are being proactive by embracing technology that schools can purchase. “There will always be the textbook in the classroom,” Milady’s marketing specialist, Erica Conley, tells me. “But our goal is to incorporate as much technology in the classroom as possible, because we find that’s the way some students learn best.”

Lisha Barnes, Milady’s academic development manager, adds, “Technology in the classroom to deliver training is certainly the trend. It’s more learner-centered, participation training instead of ‘stand up and lecture.’ The shift has been significant. More cosmetology schools are installing wifi and computer labs or keeping laptops available so that students can use technology to help themselves retain the material.” Milady has one more technological entry in this mix, which I’ll talk about next time.