The Debate Of Tablets Vs. Textbooks

Pro Con, as of August 19th, 2016 has updated their information regarding the controversial topic of Tablets vs. Textbooks. This website asked the question “Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 Schools?”. A large amount of pros and cons were listed for readers. The first pro is tablets help students learn more material faster. The US Department of Education and National Training and Simulation Association have found technology can reduce the time students take to learn new material by 30-80%. On the opposite spectrum, a con is tablets can cause a range of health problems. These minor problems consist of Computer Vision Syndrome, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. The more serious problems include strain on multiple muscles, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, shoulder pain, and fibromyalgia.

The second pro listed is 81% of K-12 teachers believe tablets enrich classroom education. The explanation goes further to state that 77% of teachers found technology increases motivation in the classroom to learn. This data was collected by the Public Broadcasting Service. However, the second con is the cost; tablets are more expensive than using printed textbooks. With the purchase of tablets, schools have to build Wi-Fi infrastructure and train teachers how to use the technology―this costs 552% higher than new print textbooks in an average high school. The average cost per student per class with tablets is $71.55, as opposed to $14.26 for printed textbooks.

The third pro states that tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks on the device. Homework, quizzes, and other files can be stored, eliminating the need for physical storage of books and classroom materials. The average tablet contains anywhere from 8 to 64 GB of storage space, ...

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...ablet makes learning fun and easy for students. The One Laptop Per Child organization dropped off closed boxes to rural villages in Ethiopia. The boxes contained tablets with educational apps, within five days elementary age students were using 47 apps every day, with no prior knowledge. In two weeks, they were singing their ABC’s and in five months, they successfully hacked the tablet’s system. On the other hand, many textbooks are not available in digital format or on the specific tablet used by a school. As of 2012, only 30% of textbook were available electronically. Tablets may also be too difficult for students who are not good with technology to operate. Finally, printed textbooks that are not brand new still convey relevant information to K-12 students. Older print textbooks still obtain the basics of anatomy, physics, algebra, geometry, and the US government.