Modernization has reached all parts of the planet and, as it could not be otherwise. It also has the presence in schools. We have reached the point where many tutors, teaching professionals, and parents ask themselves the following question: the purpose of textbooks.

The textbooks have accompanied students of all generations to date. They are one of the elements that have been most present in the classrooms of schools around the world. However, the reality is that they are disappearing because more and more digital materials are available.

Purpose of textbooks

In this sense, technology has created another scenario in which electronic tablets appear as an alternative to the textbooks of a lifetime. Although many nostalgic people oppose this paradigm shift, it seems that it is a natural process that can not be stopped.

To help you decide, we present study methods to improve. In which 90 students were asked to read the brief, informative texts on a computer and in print. The 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 remember more details, the readers of the printed texts had the advantage. What else can we add to this question?

What are the reasons for continuing to use textbooks?

1. Ease to follow the information

The ease with which they allow students to find information is one of the reasons to continue with textbooks. Generally, books are written with pages of detailed content and indexes that, if designed correctly, can be used to find what the student is looking for quickly. Textbooks also provide a structure for student learning.

2. It’s easier for teachers

For young teachers, textbooks can be especially useful because the material and structure of lessons are often very detailed; This means that they do not have to waste a lot of time devising new ideas for the lessons. In order not to overload the backpack, it is convenient to carry only the essential material for each day.

3. Greater comfort to work

While most e-books come equipped with a small army of tools that allow students to mark or take notes, students simply are not used to using electronic tablets in class. Most still prefer tangible books in which they can physically highlight and write notes in the margins.

“Books are written with detailed content pages and indexes that, if designed correctly, can be used to find what the student is looking for quickly”

Weaknesses of textbooks

The first of the weak points is the weight that students must carry on their backs every time they go to school. The image of a child carrying a backpack full of books is a typical postcard in most schools and institutes; This can be avoided by betting on the implementation of technology.

Another negative aspect of textbooks is that, although it is true that in some cases they are reused by relatives or friends, in most of the opportunities they tend to be forgotten once they have been used.

What are the reasons to bet on technology?

1. Drive creativity

The convenient tablet format encourages creativity: it is possible to draw, compose music or make movies without the need for additional tools. This is how students exercise their creative abilities instead of being mere passive recipients of knowledge.

2. Easy to use

Admittedly, the tablets are much more intuitive and easier to use than desktop computers and laptops, or even paper books. In addition to this, most children are already accustomed to its use.

3. Direct communication

The tablets connect all the main stakeholders: students, parents, and teachers. Handwritten notes or assignments can be lost in a short time, intentionally or accidentally. This never happens with digital data: any comments that include criticism, congratulations or concerns are available for future reference.

Weaknesses of technology in the classroom

The first of the disadvantages of introducing technology in the school refers to the impact that the use of electronic tablets can have on children. It can cause them to become too distracted. This distraction can be due to games, videos and countless entertainment applications that include these devices.

Second, unlike printed material, digital textbooks remain on the tablet and do not go anywhere else. This means that it does not allow books to be shared between classmates or siblings.

Finally, you should know that, for many students, the use of electronic books is not about preference or price, but about availability. Usually, the books that students need for school are not available in digital format. In short, we are in the presence of a topic in which not all those involved agree. However, we are clear about the purpose of textbooks. We are in a period of transition that leads us to think that technology will increasingly have a greater presence in the classroom.