Should tablet computers become the primary way students learn in class?

Nowadays most students bring a laptop or a tablet computer to school to take down notes or to
work in groups. This practice has now raised the issue of whether tablet computers should become
the primary way students learn in class or not. It may seem to be a learning tool that helps students
reach their academic potential. However, it has been shown to have major setbacks.

Tablet computers provide students access to different websites with useful information. However,
coursebooks have information that has been verified on numerous occasions by the publishers and Commented [ES1]: Publishing companies

editors. These textbooks offer the sources from which information appearing on the book has been
extracted. This is highly important when/if students have to do further research because they can Commented [ES2]: Puse when pero era if..

go back to those sources knowing that they are reliable.

When students only use tablet computers, an important connection to books is broken. Students Commented [ES3]: Good!

have many different personalities and learning styles. Some enjoy studying with printed books and Commented [ES4]: good

that has to be recognized by the educational institution. Also, it has been proved that writing on a Commented [ES5]: no le puso key

piece of paper activates certain nodes in the brain, which contributes to better brain activity.
Distraction has also a role to play in learning situations. Spending all school day time on tablet
computers disturbs students’ concentration. So Instead, students who use coursebooks are might Commented [ES6]: good

be able to grasp the concept of a lesson more easily. Commented [ES7]: I came up with “whereas” but then I
looked up the meaning and it couldn’t fit there. 

Nonetheless, tablet computers can help reduce the amount of paper that is produced each year.
Students’ carbon footprint would be greatly reduced if they read only e-books and digital
coursebooks. However, a number of university studies have shown that for e-readers or tablet
computers to significantly reduce the carbon footprint that the manufacturing of books creates,
learners and, people in general, would have to read at least over 44 books each year for four years
before replacing the device.

Despite technology’s influence on learners’ lives, the role that books play in the learning process
should not be forgotten. Printed books or notebooks continue to surpass tablets in many ways that
are beneficial to students.