Textbooks: Yes Or No?
Modernization has reached all parts of the planet and, of course, it is also present in schools. We have reached the point where many teachers, education professionals and parents ask the following question: textbooks, yes or no?
Textbooks have followed students of all generations so far. They are one of the elements that have been most present in the classrooms of schools around the world. However, the truth is that they are disappearing because more and more digital materials are available.
Thus, technology has created another scenario in which electronic tablets appear as an alternative to the usual textbooks. Although there are many nostalgic people who are opposed to this paradigm shift, it seems that it is a natural process that cannot be stopped.
To help you decide, we present a study done in 2016 in which 90 students were asked to read short informational texts on a computer or in print. Students performed equally well in describing the main idea of the passages, regardless of the medium.
However, when asked to list additional key points and recall more details, readers of the printed texts took advantage. What more can we add to this question?
What are the reasons for continuing to use textbooks?
1. Ease of finding information
The ease with which they allow students to find information is one of the reasons for keeping textbooks.
Generally, books are written with pages of detailed content and indexes that, if properly designed, can be used to quickly find what the student is looking for. Textbooks also provide a framework for student learning.
2. Simplicity for teachers
There are also benefits for teachers who use textbooks. For inexperienced teachers, textbooks can be especially helpful because the material and structure of the lessons is often very detailed. That is, they don’t need to spend a lot of time coming up with new ideas for their lessons.
3. Greater comfort for working
While most eBooks are equipped with a small arsenal of tools that allow students to highlight important points or take notes, they are simply not used to using e-tablets during lessons.
Most still prefer tangible books, where they can physically highlight important points and write notes in the margins.
Weaknesses of textbooks
The first of the weaknesses is the weight that students have to carry on their backs every time they go to school. The image of a child carrying a backpack full of books is typical in most schools. But this can be avoided by implementing the technology.
Another negative aspect of textbooks is that although they are sometimes reused by family or friends, in most cases they are usually forgotten after they are used.
What are the reasons for betting on technology?
1. Increase creativity
The tablet’s convenient format encourages creativity: you can draw, compose music or make movies without the need for additional tools. This is how students exercise their creative skills rather than simply being passive recipients of knowledge.
2. Ease of use
Admittedly, tablets are much more intuitive and easier to use than computers and notebooks, or even paper books. Furthermore, most children are already used to using them.
3. Direct communication
Tablets connect all key stakeholders: students, parents and teachers. Handwritten notes or assignments can be lost in a short time, either intentionally or by accident.
This never happens with digital data: any comments that include criticism, praise or questions will be available for future reference.
Weaknesses of technology in the classroom
The first disadvantage of introducing technology into schools has to do with the impact that the use of electronic tablets can have on children. In fact, this can make them too distracted. And that distraction can come about because of games, videos, and the myriad entertainment apps these devices include.
Second, unlike printed material, digital textbooks remain on the tablet. This means that it is not possible for books to be shared between colleagues or siblings.
Finally, you should know that, for many students, eBook use is not about preference or price, but about availability. Generally, the books students need for school are simply not available in digital format.
In short, we are dealing with an issue on which not everyone involved is in agreement. However, we are sure that we are in a transition period that leads us to think that technology will be increasingly present in classrooms.
