Should Tablets Replace Textbooks?
By: Abby Manderano
Most students are probably in favor for having new technology replace textbooks, but others are voting against this. “As tablets have become more prevalent, a new debate has formed over whether K-12 school districts should switch from print textbooks to digital textbooks on tablets” (Procon.org).
Pro
81 percent of K-12 teachers believe that tablets would enrich classroom education. The same people that conducted that survey also found that 71 percent of teachers think technology increases student’s motivation to learn. They say, "Tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks, save the environment by lowering the amount of printing, increase student interactivity and creativity, and that digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks” (Procon.org). Tablets can hold thousands of educational resources and helpful games, which would eliminate the need for certain classroom materials, and would most likely save money. Finally, e-textbooks can save up to 50-60 percent more money than regular textbooks.
Con
Many people are against technology replacing textbooks, and some researchers found that tablets can contribute to health problems, such as insomnia, neck and back problems. Tablets are widely debated in school; schools are worried about how they would fix and maintain tablets if they break. Another debated issue that parents and teachers are worried about is that tablet technology could be a distraction from learning. Tablets can download apps, emails, texts, and games, and because of that they do not think tablets are a good idea. Finally, unlike tablets, printed textbooks cannot crash, freeze, or get hacked. Due to these reasons, many people believe that tablets are not a good idea to have in school.
Although there are many people who support new technology in schools, there are also many who do not support the technology schools, and because of this the debate continues on whether or not tablets should replace textbooks.
By: Abby Manderano
Most students are probably in favor for having new technology replace textbooks, but others are voting against this. “As tablets have become more prevalent, a new debate has formed over whether K-12 school districts should switch from print textbooks to digital textbooks on tablets” (Procon.org).
Pro
81 percent of K-12 teachers believe that tablets would enrich classroom education. The same people that conducted that survey also found that 71 percent of teachers think technology increases student’s motivation to learn. They say, "Tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks, save the environment by lowering the amount of printing, increase student interactivity and creativity, and that digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks” (Procon.org). Tablets can hold thousands of educational resources and helpful games, which would eliminate the need for certain classroom materials, and would most likely save money. Finally, e-textbooks can save up to 50-60 percent more money than regular textbooks.
Con
Many people are against technology replacing textbooks, and some researchers found that tablets can contribute to health problems, such as insomnia, neck and back problems. Tablets are widely debated in school; schools are worried about how they would fix and maintain tablets if they break. Another debated issue that parents and teachers are worried about is that tablet technology could be a distraction from learning. Tablets can download apps, emails, texts, and games, and because of that they do not think tablets are a good idea. Finally, unlike tablets, printed textbooks cannot crash, freeze, or get hacked. Due to these reasons, many people believe that tablets are not a good idea to have in school.
Although there are many people who support new technology in schools, there are also many who do not support the technology schools, and because of this the debate continues on whether or not tablets should replace textbooks.