Tablets Steal the Bookshelf

Recently, public and private K-12 schools have been switching from using the old-school method of learning from textbooks, to using tablets to download textbooks electronically.  When I first heard about this change, I was so conflicted.  Part of me thought that tablets could be distracting, and also the screens can be harmful to their eyes.  Then I realized, I know as a college student how expensive textbooks are and I'm sure the cost of an "e-textbook"would be much lower for schools with small budgets.  I also hate carrying around textbooks, and lack organization so the idea of having all of my textbooks in one place without the strain on my back or stress of actually finding my books would be great.  There are so many pros and cons to this debate, but I overall believe that Tablets are great for our schools as well for the students, and all schools, districts, and states in the United States need to make the switch.


The most obvious advantage to using tablets over textbooks is the cost.  According to Yahoo,the e-textbooks run between $38-$55 per student where as a physical textbook costs $75 per student.  Although the projects estimated initial cost are starting at $50 million for every student, the overall cost is cheaper and more effective for students who are growing up in a digital world.

Students today are doing everything digitally until they get to school.  Schools are often where technology slows down.  Youth today need to be stimulated, and the tablets have that ability.  Some might find them distracting, as you can search the web or play different games but technology allows for blocks of certain applications and or websites.  It's so important that we continue to update education with technology along with the students.  There has also been proof that tablets make a difference in children's education.  Accord to mobiledia, students who used the iPad version scored 20 percent higher on standardized tests versus students who learned with traditional textbooks.

The results are clear as a bell, tablets have proved to increase tests scores, lower costs, and stimulate student's learning.  Bringing tablets into school's has many advantages and can change education for the better.