Pros and Cons of Using Textbooks

in Schools

Kizzha Gultimo Godinez

BSED 2A-Social Studies
Strategic Learning

-When analyzing the benefits of textbooks or

tablets, one of the biggest advantages is that
textbooks are professionally curated
documents. They have been organized in the
best way to present the information in a logical
order and are fact-checked by academic
professionals.
Better Absorption

-It is common knowledge that handwriting

notes allows for better absorption in
remembering important teachings and lessons.
This experience is very similar when reading a
typed book vs on a computer screen and is said
to play a key role in the learning process.
Textbooks are easier on the eyes and

cause less or no strain.

-Many students, and people in general, choose paper books instead of

e-readers because printed text is not so hard on the eyes. Reading a
back-lit screen is tiring for the eyes and can strain them. This is called
visual fatigue and refers to the physical discomfort that results from
prolonged exposure to a digital screen. The symptoms include dry or
watery eyes, blurred vision, difficulty focusing, sore neck and/or
shoulders and light sensitivity. Keep in mind that our eyes are the
gateway to wisdom. They must be protected.
 Reading comprehension is

better with textbooks

-For study purposes, when you need to

comprehend and remember what you’ve read,
print beats digital. For most people, digital
books are hard to remember.
 Examples

One study divided participants into two

groups. One group read printed text,
the other group read on a device. The
two groups read the same text. When
they were asked to put the events in
chronological order, the e-book group
fared worse. The implication is that
students who study from textbooks will
learn better than those who study from
digital devices.
 A second study by the same researchers found that
e-books for young readers created with Apple’s iBooks
Author software provided too many interactive visual
features that engage young readers but distract them
from attempting to read.  As per scientific research,
your brain tends to remember more of what you have
read on paper, as compared to digital reading.
Outdated Information

-It goes without saying that the biggest

disadvantage of textbooks is the use of outdated
information when the latest version is not yet
available. Remember, there is no such thing as a
perfect or complete textbook but it can be used
as a blueprint, a reference guide, or an outline.
Great teachers can combat this by providing
additional pointers to provide the most up to
date data, however, this approach runs the risk
that not all relevant information will be relayed.
 Cost

-On the flip-side of the cost debate, it can be

argued that students and schools will pay more
in the long-run for printed textbooks. Because
there are no printing or shipping costs associated
with content in tablets, electronic versions may
be less expensive than printed textbooks.
 Backbreaking

-The load of textbooks for every subject is

backbreaking due to their weight and size. We
know that books are too heavy enough for a child
to bring this always in school because we
experience that when we was in Elementary and i
do believe that we can all relate to this.
Lack of Textbooks

- In a developing countries like Philippines, one

book for every student is still a goal, not a reality.
As of now, students in public schools has a 1:3
ratio in the use of textbooks.
 Based on the previous discussions we had a while ago, we may conclude that
both the book and the tablet have their benefits and drawbacks. The question now is
whether textbooks should be replaced with tablets? Or textbooks should remain as a
learning tool? Which is more beneficial to students? These are the questions that we
need to ponder. In this present situation, since our government cannot afford to give
everyone this yet (although tablets are less expensive than PCs), we have to use the
books that we have (no wonder, books still remain to be the number one instructional
material in the Philippines). Books are no less different than those book that has
become an EBook in tablets. If one can afford to buy a tablet now, then that’s good
but schools should not make it necessary to have this in school if the majority cannot
afford it. The use of tablets instead of books is still a choice, not mandatory, hence a
teacher can still teach using a book, and it has not yet become useless.
 Later if the government can already afford to give everyone tablet, then
teaching for me (somehow) wouldn’t be so hard. If by now there are some lessons that
are difficult to explain since it requires illustrations, we can utilize the available
technology tools such as computers, android phones and even tablets If there's any to
make learning interesting and possible especially in this time of pandemic.There's
nothing wrong with allowing ourselves to get engrossed in technology because we live
in a technologically advanced society. It is imperative that we adapt in order to avoid
being left behind. We must, however, keep in mind our existing situation.
http://jeancotamora.blogspot.com/2015/09/lesson-18-tablets-for-
textbooks-in.html?m=1
https://tablets-textbooks.procon.org/
https://www.teachervision.com/curriculum-planning/textbooks-
advantages-disadvantages
https://dottech.org/203158/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-digital-
reading-vs-paper-reading/