Digital Devices in a Digital World

“In a partnership with Apple, textbook publishers Houghton Mifflin Harcourt performed a pilot

study using an iPad text for Algebra 1 courses, and found that 20% more students (78% compared to

59%) scored 'Proficient' or 'Advanced' in subject comprehension when using tablets rather than paper

textbook counterparts” (Bonnington, 2012). The yearlong pilot program took place at Amelia Earhart

Middle School in California's Riverside Unified School District where the first full-curriculum Algebra

application exclusively developed for Apple’s iPad was used by students and teachers (AppleInsider

Staff, 2012). It is evident that tablets are commonly being used in different schools nowadays.

Furthermore, with the ever-increasing pressures of standardized testing, and with the need for students to

compete in a global economy, students need every edge they can get. With this, using tablets instead of

textbooks can be advantageous for students in ways that they increase test scores, they are less expensive

than textbooks, and are a lighter option for students.

It is believed that using digital devices in the classroom can help students to better understand the

lessons and topics presented to them; however, at some point, tablets can be a distraction. Tablets cause

too many distractions in the classroom and may somehow disrupt classes. According to Greenfield

(2015), since tablets are commonly associated more to entertainment than education, students tend to be

distracted when using these devices in class. Furthermore, it is believed that the Internet has the potential

to be a temptation for students to lose their focus on the learning task, and that screen technology that

promotes multitasking seems to be a hindrance in academic performance especially when multitasking is

done during the learning process (Greenfield, 2015). The distraction may be viewed as unhelpful to

students’ learning, but there is one reason that students are often distracted by their digital devices: it is

because they are interesting. Since digital devices can make learning interesting for students, they should

be more engaged in using their digital devices when working on projects that challenge them to maintain

the same level of interest that they have when using their devices. This, in turn, can ensure that learning is
compelling and can maximize the use of their devices as not just for entertainment but for education as

well.

Despite the distraction that digital devices may bring, they still appear to be more advantageous

than textbooks. One advantage of using tablets is that they increase test scores, particularly in

standardized tests. One research in Auburn, Maine showed that literacy test scores by kindergarten

students using tablets were higher compared with those who did not use a device (Wainwright, 2013).

Also, tablet games used by students are reportedly helping them increase their knowledge in various

subjects. For example, research found that there was an average increase of 15% in students’ knowledge

of fractions and they even became more confident with their ability after playing an iPad game focusing

on Mathematics skills (“Motion Math in Class,” n.d.). This shows that tablets in the classrooms can

effectively engage students and can result in a positive change in their test scores.

Another advantage of using tablets is that they are less expensive than textbooks. Tablets cost

around 50% to 60% less than textbooks. There are online subscriptions that can be purchased at a lesser

price compared with textbooks. Some states in the United States of America (USA) are starting to replace

textbooks with tablets because it is cheaper. An average textbook costs around $70 per student while a

six-year online subscription consisting of lessons and e-books is priced between $38 to $55 per student

(“Schools Shift from Textbooks to Tablets,” 2013). According to Rock (2012), “the U.S. spends about $7

billion per year on textbooks, but many of them are seven to ten years out of date,” thus prompting some

advocates to promote the use of tablets in classrooms because it can save money and can improve

learning. In this regard, tablets seem to be more cost-efficient over textbooks.

Lastly, tablets are a lighter option for students. Digital devices are lighter than printed textbooks.

Kyrnin (2018) claims that the average weight of a tablet is one pound. Aside from this, they can contain

hundreds of books and their memory can be expanded to hold more information (Alvarez, 2013). With the

use of digital devices, students’ backpacks can now be lighter which can then help alleviate back

problems. Samakow (2017) states that textbooks which typically weigh 3.5 pounds each, together with
other school supplies, may pose danger on a child. “The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

recommends that the weight of a backpack should be less than 10-15 percent of a child’s body weight” to

avoid any injuries related to carrying a backpack (Samakow, 2017). With the significant difference

between the weight of a tablet and a standard textbook, using a tablet which can hold more books can be

beneficial for students to ensure that backpack-related injuries are avoided.

Ultimately, using tablets over textbooks is a smart strategy for schools. They are more

advantageous than textbooks, for they have the potential to increase standardized test scores, save schools

money, and relieve students of the burdens of heavy backpacks. Although these digital devices are

perceived by some as distractions in the classrooms, their effectiveness as new learning tools in the

classrooms in today’s digital world is undeniable due to their positive contributions in students’ learning.

With numerous advantages, schools should start replacing textbooks in the classrooms with tablets which

are more interesting and engaging for students.

References

Alvarez, B. (2013). As more schools embrace tablets, do textbooks have a fighting chance? Retrieved

from http://neatoday.org/2013/07/31/as-more-schools-embrace-tablets-do-textbooks-have-a-

fighting-chance-2/

AppleInsider Staff. (2012). Students' math scores jumped 20% with iPad textbooks, publisher says.

Retrieved from

https://appleinsider.com/articles/12/01/20/students_math_scores_jumped_20_with_ipad_textbook

s_publisher_says_

Bonnington, C. (2012). iPad a solid education tool, study reports. Retrieved from

https://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/23/tech/innovation/ipad-solid-education-tool/index.html
Greenfield, S. (2015). Five reasons iPads should not be in classrooms. Retrieved from

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/mind-change/201510/five-reasons-ipads-should-not-

be-in-classrooms

Kyrnin, M. (2018). Guide to choosing a tablet based on size and weight. Retrieved from

https://www.lifewire.com/guide-to-tablet-size-and-weight-832331

Motion Math in class. (n.d.). Retrieved from gamedesk.org/project/motion-math-in-class

Rock, M. (2012). The future of education: Tablets vs. textbooks. Retrieved from

https://mashable.com/2012/10/05/tablets-vs-textbooks/#UYoJmSzvesqa

Samakow, J. (2017). The dangers of heavy backpacks -- And how kids can wear them safely.

Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-heavy-backpacks-are-doing-to-kids-

bodies_n_5700485

Schools shift from textbooks to tablets. (2013). Retrieved from

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/schools-shift-from-textbooks-to-tablets/

Wainwright, A. (2013). 8 studies show iPads in the classroom improve education. Retrieved from

https://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/8-Studies-Show-iPads-in-the-Classroom-Improve-

Education