Commentators often frame books and computers as competing tools for learning, but both have their unique value. However, focusing on this dichotomy diverts attention away from the core issue facing education – poverty.
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that putting things in writing would lead people to be forgetful. Today, thousands of years later, we’re lucky to be able to explore Socrates’ thoughts because they were indeed recorded.
Almost for the same reasons that Socrates opposed writing things down, saying that memory is a cornerstone of learning, and that forgetting can be a natural consequence of trusting too much in written records. You may ask: What are the concerns about new technologies?
As an increasing number of classrooms transition from printed texts to digital materials, researchers are conducting studies to assess the effects of this shift on children’s learning.
The field is still in its infancy and evidence is inconclusive – there is no scientific agreement on whether books or digital devices are more beneficial for a child’s learning.
A study conducted in Honduran elementary schools, for instance, discovered that replacing traditional textbooks with laptops didn’t ultimately have a significant impact on student learning outcomes – neither a positive nor a negative effect.
Doesn’t it make sense that both forms of learning – traditional and digital – can be effective, or not, depending on the individual and the context? Let’s examine this further.
The process of learning during the early stages of life irrevocably alters the brain’s structure and function.
It’s essential to consider neuroscience when choosing teaching tools, as it provides insight into how to select the most effective resources for different stages of a child’s development.
Researchers in neuroscience have demonstrated that the process of learning and the formation of memory results in physical changes to the structure of the brain.
The brain is “plastic” – it develops connections and strengthens existing ones as we form memories, acquire knowledge, and forget. This phenomenon is true at all stages of our lives, but it is especially pronounced during childhood.
Human brain development and functionality are highly influenced by individual experiences and surroundings.
Research indicates that the more nourishing our learning environment is during our formative years, our brains not only absorb more knowledge, but also undergo a fundamental shift in how we process new information for the remainder of our lives.
The best example here is language learning. Children learn a second language more easily than adults, because their brain is highly adaptable.
In addition, individuals who acquired two languages early in life can learn a third language much faster than those who acquired only one language in early childhood – their brain has been trained to learn languages.
On the other end of the spectrum, sensory deprivation during childhood has a long-term, adverse effect on the brain. Children denied various experiences, such as reduced physical touch and interaction with adults, fewer visuals and auditory stimuli, and limited access to learning materials, tend to develop smaller brains. These changes are often irreversible later in life.
Benefits of Enhanced Learning Experiences
What does this imply for education? Pupils need to be introduced to as many diverse types of learning resources as can be, both digital and physical.
To put it another way, it could imply turning to written texts and handwritten notes as a means of acquiring lasting knowledge on a particular subject.
Studies demonstrate that the act of writing demands the brain’s active involvement in the note-taking process, but the brain’s activity level lessens when typing, so writing by hand facilitates a greater retention of the material in memory.
To encourage learning through interactive means, educational tools, such as artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, have been developed.
Research demonstrates that digital technology is capable of boosting literacy and numeracy skills, fine motor skills, and visual-spatial working memory in a learning environment.
The positive effects of this influence all aspects of a child’s education, including language, functional literacy, math, science, overall knowledge, and creative thinking – and so on.
Computers: In-Depths on Pysical and Mental Wellbeing
While digital technologies offer many benefits, they also have some drawbacks. Research has linked computer use to a decrease in attention, with some evidence suggesting that children use computers in a passive manner, rather than as an active learning tool that stimulates intellectual engagement. It remains unclear whether these negative effects are temporary or persistent.
Research indicates that excessive use of computers can have a negative impact on physical and mental well-being.
That is precisely why regular outdoor activities, such as running or kicking a ball, are crucial for a child’s growth and their academic success as well.
The core problem in education is economic deprivation.
Limited availability of books and computing equipment.
When kids facing disadvantages lacked home access to computers or books during extended school closures.
A survey conducted in the UK found that nearly one-third of students in underprivileged regions lacked sufficient access to the necessary resources for e-learning during the pandemic.
The gap in educational outcomes between males and females is largely attributed to socioeconomic factors rather than any inherent differences. This trend is a global phenomenon, often linked to inadequate access to high-quality educational resources.
Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany
Author: Fred Schwaller
