Textbooks vs.

Tablets

Textbooks Vs. Tablets

The place of textbooks in schools and other learning institutions are facing a growing
challenge from tablets and e-books. The advantages and disadvantages of using tablets in schools
instead of course subject textbooks are interesting. It is important and necessary to look at both
sides of the issue before moving forward. In researching this topic, I interviewed a fourth grade
elementary school teacher, a high school pre-calculus/ calculus teacher, and a AP high school
student, and a public school administrator. Their input was based on their own preference.
With the new days of technology, society has created new devices that help out education
wise. The debate on tablets versus textbooks has been a recent issue since more and more people
start to buy them for reading purposes. The idea of ditching hard cover textbooks and bringing in
small tablets leaves people to debate whether or not schools should be allowed to do such a
thing.

Just a couple of short years ago, the presence of tablets in schools was an exceptional
phenomenon. This year, the presence of tablets is far more common in classrooms. Though its
definitely not the norm yet, many more schools and districts are investing in the devices for a
variety of reasons. A recent study conducted by Harris Interactive for publisher Pearson showed
that, while 44 percent of kids are using some kind of tablet for learning, 92 percent of kids
surveyed believe that using a tablet in school will change how they learn in the future. And 90
percent of students said using a tablet makes learning more fun.

In summary, the pros and cons of tablets vs. textbooks is as follows:

1. Tablets:

Fast updates. Electronic textbooks on tablets can be updated quickly and efficiently;
students can always have the latest versions of textbooks.

Personalization. Teachers can customize student learning using tablets with hundreds of
educational apps designed for tablet and similar devices.

Ease of learning. Using a tablet helps students learn material faster.

Collaboration. Students can easily work together in online blogs, wikis and educationfocused social networks.

Cons:

Distractions. Using a tablet in class can invite digital distractions as students may be
tempted to surf the Web, check email, chat on social media or play online games instead
of focusing on classroom work.

Technical problems. Tablets can break if dropped, or software may freeze and make the
device and homework assignments unavailable. They also are subject to possible
malware attacks from the Internet.

High cost. Initial startup costs for schools to introduce tablets into classrooms can be
high. After buying the tablets and the software, schools then need to install a secure WiFi network and hire support staff, then train teachers how to use the technology.

Health issues. The students who use tablets and computers may be at increased risk of
computer vision syndrome, which includes eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and dry
eyes. Moreover, there may be a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and neck and
shoulder pain.

While the benefits of using tablets in K-12 classrooms are many, its too early to close the cover
on traditional textbooks. Smart teachers look at both as a valuable resource tool and know how to
take advantage of the best features that each has to offer.

2. Textbooks:

Textbooks are especially helpful for beginning teachers. The material to be

Textbooks provide organized units of work. A textbook gives you all the plans
and lessons you need to cover a topic in some detail.

A textbook series provides you with a balanced, chronological presentation of

Textbooks are a detailed sequence of teaching procedures that tell you what to do
and when to do it. There are no surpriseseverything is carefully spelled out.

Textbooks provide administrators and teachers with a complete program. The

Good textbooks are excellent teaching aids. They're a resource for both teachers
and students.

Cons:

The textbook is designed as a the sole source of information.

Textbook is old or outdated.

Textbook questions tend to be low level or fact-based.

Textbook doesn't take students' background knowledge into account.

Reading level of the textbook is too difficult.

The average weight of a textbook is approximately 1 to 2 pounds; this amount on

In taking this controversial research to a higher personal level, I asked the question to two
teachers, one student and one public school administrator.

Upon interviewing the fourth grade teacher, Ms. Terrell, she clearly stated that she preferred
textbooks over tablets. She pointed out that with ADHD students, they focus better by reading
and learning from a textbook rather than a tablet. She said that with the tablet, "distractions is
much more likely to occur with ADHD students." She mentioned that tablets allow students to
pay more attention to games rather than their assignments. When I asked about the weight of the
textbooks causing health problems for students, she answered by saying that tablets can cause
eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision. She added, "textbooks represent something quite
powerful in our education system."

I also interviewed a high school teacher, Mr. Novak, and he also preferred the use of
textbooks over tablets. His reason was, with the use of tablets the students are able to cut corners
and cheat easier on their assignments. He said, "students can easily avoid reading the assignment
because they can quickly look up passages in an e-textbook and search for answers on the
internet."

The two teachers were concerned that with the use of the tablet, the student would no
longer need the teacher because they would be learning from the tablet and technology. Literacy
and critical thinking would no longer be taught to the student which is not acceptable in their
eyes.
When interviewing a AP high school student, Ms. Placencia, she preferred the use of a
tablet over a textbook because in using the tablet, it allowed her the ability to research, highlight
and write notes much more easily than using a textbook. She also stated, " I believe that it would
be much more simpler to carry a tablet than a textbook. Also, on a tablet I could do my work in a
flash."
The last person I interviewed was a school administrator, Dr. Bovee. He simply stated, "
the use of technology and the tablet is the future of our schools, enhancing student engagement
and learning."
The continued appearance and adoption of tablets by young people is pushing the
acceptance of these devices into the classrooms; thought of as the natural evolution. This in turn
is now seen as the future of education. In President Obamas State of the Union address in
January 2012, he said I want all students to be able to learn from digital textbooks. Obama's
administration is asking every public school to accelerate the transition to digital textbooks.
President Obama's goal is to move class work onto devices such as tablets to give students the
ability to do research, check their work and get feedback from teachers, and would like to see
this accomplished by 2017.

There's no right or wrong answer as to whether textbooks or tablets are better learning
tools for students in the classroom. Many teachers incorporate both into their instructional

methods because each has advantages and disadvantages. Some parents, especially those who
didn't grow up with computers and advanced technology, might want their children to experience
traditional textbook learning. Others might be open to replacing textbooks with computers, as
long as test scores and learning benchmarks are met. Education and the use of tablets or
textbooks is the most important revolution of our time.