Since the arrival of the tablets, there are many
different types of electronic devices entertaining those of young and old with
the latest news updates, games, and many books that can be stored in 9.56
inches in height and 7.47 inches in width. There are many tablet lovers in the
world. It shows with the increasing rate of the amount of purchases that are
made in the last 2 years. However, in terms of education, there are a number of
strengths and weaknesses on tablets vs textbooks. There are a few things that I
will cover in this discussion. Health risks, disposable income and students being targeted for their smart devices. These decives are good for educational purposes but are they actually causing trouble.
There are
a couple weaknesses that show both tablets and textbooks display risks to one’s health.
First weakness of tablets is displayed is eye strain or a symptom that is
called "Computer Vision Syndrome" CVS where the occupant only
focuses on the smart phone, tablet or computer. There is another syndrome
called "text neck" where the occupant is displaying symptoms of neck
strain, headaches, pain in the shoulders as well as in the arms and the hands.
Another weakness that is displayed is how it affects the sleeping
patterns of young teens. Those that use the electronic device before bedtime,
it shows that it affects their circadian rhythm. Based on the
research that was conducted by Light Research Centre (LRC) Light and Health Programme at Rensselar
Polytechnic Institute, New York, United States.
There is a weakness that is displayed in carrying too many textbooks.
Most children are carrying 20-25% of their body weight on
their backs, which will deform the child's back as they are still
growing, which in turn will affect their backs once they reach 70-80 years of
age. According to Sean McDougall, the chief executive of the charity
of BackCare has stated “The 'sit still" culture of schools and workplace,
combined with lack of exercise, is creating a healthcare timebomb". One can argue that carrying a tablet will reduce this as the tablet is able to carry as many e-books as the student likes, thus diminishing the back problem.
It
might be augured that in terms of education, the tablets are seen as a
"revolutionary devices". It just depends on how one uses these
tablets and monitor the usages of those with young minds. However, with its
retail price of $725 it is a hassle for parents to be able to be able
to produce the money for i-pads when there are other expenses that need to be
paid, such as school uniforms, stationary and extracurricular activity costs. Depending on the model and GB size, the price will vary. Some parents feel that they are bullied into purchasing these items, schools
such as Owera College has made it compulsory
for year 9 students. While the cost of making an i-pad is actually half of the retail price. While text books can cost up to $50-$100 each year. This will put on strain on parents that are just being able to afford the basics for their children. Almost 40,000 people have applied for advances on the benifit in the year 2009-2010 in order to pay for school fees.
However,
one can argue with having the tablets will reduce the amount of errors in the
required textbooks that are in e-book form, thus saving money on re-printing more
textbooks with the correct information. This would be a drawback on the actual
textbooks. In Mexico, August 20th
2013, there were 117 mistakes that have been made in 235 million elementary
school textbooks. With the amount of mistakes that are made, those that are learning from those textbooks, will learn the mistakes. This in turn will affect their future academic learning.
With almost every student possessing a smart device, there is also a high chance of it being stolen, if they are not careful. As discussed, a tablet is quite pricey compared to a textbook. Once the smart device is stolen, it is never to be seen again and can be difficult to replace. However, when replacing a textbook, it is as easy as going down to the nearest book store and purchasing the same exact textbook.
In conclusion, as technologies improve, there are different views that are stated.
These views are stated by educators, parents, health practitioners as well as the law enforcements. Educators are incorporating these devices into their learning curriculum, which will help in turn will help the students as well on how to use the fast developing technologies. However, with schools demanding these devices in school, it will create a divide in schools of those that can afford such devices and those that cannot. There are some strengths and many weaknesses, based on the information that was gathered, textbooks are the way to go, inexpensive compared to the tablet, costs less to replace and the text book has a less chance of being stolen.
Word Count: 831
Reference
Daily News (March 14, 2012) ipads and tablets may cause eye probelm or 'computer vision syndrome'. Retrived from http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/ipads-tablets-eye-problems-computer-vision-syndrome-article-1.1038685
Mail online(August 28, 2012) Using mobile phones and tablets before bed could be affecting your sleep warn scientists- and they say teens are most at risk. Retrived from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2194806/Using-mobile-phones-tablets- bed-affecting-sleep-warn-scientists.html
Mail online (March 12, 2012) Heavy school bags are 'deforming' children as growing numbers suffer irreversible back problems. Retrived from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2114118/Heavy-school-bags-deforming-children-growing-numbers-suffer-irreversible-problems.html
McDougall,S.(1st June 2012) Back pain in young adults. Retrived from http://www.stakeholderdesign.com/back-pain-in-young-adults/
Stuff.co.nz.( 28 October 2012).School 'bullied' parents over iPads. Retrived from http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/5864874/School-bullied-parents-over-iPads
Binning, E. (17 August 2012). Stretched parents can't afford books, uniforms. Retrived from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10666578
The New Zealand Herald.(20 August 2013). Mexico heads back to school with flawed textbooks. Retrived from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11111057
Street,D.(9 August 2013).Thieves target students. Retrived from http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/central-leader/9017367/Thieves-target-students
Reference for images
Image 1
http://cdn3.pcadvisor.co.uk/cmsdata/features/3416876/Best_tablets.jpg
Image 2
http://www.eyes.com/images/computer-vision.jpg
Image 3
http://blogs.thenews.com.pk/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/school-bag.jpg
Image 4
http://cdn2.fishpond.co.nz/0022/561/253/22376973/4.jpeg
Image 5
http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201334/SCCZEN_AP130820023607_460x231.jpg
Image 6
http://tnt24.ie/wp-content/uploads/phone1.jpg
