For as long as they have been circulating through schools, e-books have been pitted against physical textbooks. Though educators, parents and researchers compare the two media’s effectiveness, the only people who can decide which is better are the students themselves.
According to the National Institute of Health, 74% of students prefer e-books because of their convenience. Texts for any class can be accessed at any time, leaving students with significantly less items to carry in their school bags. However, unlike with physical books, internet issues and outages can make it impossible for students to access their digital material.
On the other hand, 66% of students prefer to use physical books to study. The effect printed media has on academic performance is a subject that has been explored by researchers. The National Student Services found that interacting with a physical book improves engagement, comprehension and retention of information.
When asked which media she prefers, Junior Nursing major Kylee-Ann Dixon emphasized the benefits of physical text. “I prefer paper books because digital books just don’t have the same feel, and paper books will last,” Dixon said.
Though print books may help students study better, e-books make college more accessible to lower-income students. The National Student Services found that digital texts tend to be around 50% cheaper than physical ones. This significant difference in price puts less financial strain on students who may already be struggling financially.
In addition to being cheaper, digital material is often easier for people with disabilities to use. Adjustable text size, font options and voice-to-text makes studying easier for those with vision and auditory impairments. Audio book options are also useful for busy students who do not have the time to sit and read.
The debate between digital and physical books is ongoing because there is no true correct answer: the best choice differs with every student’s preference and need.
Every class should offer both a physical and digital book. Giving students a choice allows us to have more autonomy while making sure that everyone is able to get what suits them best.
