As technology continues to advance at breakneck speed, the debate over whether books or computers are better learning tools is intensifying.
Although there is no scientific consensus on whether books or digital devices are better for children’s learning, a study of elementary schools in Honduras found that replacing textbooks with laptops ultimately made no difference to children’s education. students, according to Deutsche Welle (DW).
There is, however, one important factor to consider. Neuroscientists have proven that children’s brains are like “sponges” when it comes to knowledge. Children have greater brain plasticity, which means they are better at forming the neural connections necessary for learning. Neuroplasticity is most rapid and stable in childhood.
Studies have shown that the richer the learning environment during childhood, the more knowledge children acquire, while also changing the way the brain learns new things for the rest of their lives.
The best example here is language learning. Children learn a second language very easily compared to adults because their brains have more plasticity. In addition, adults who learned two languages in childhood can learn a third language much faster than adults who learned only one language in childhood because their brains are trained to learn languages.
But what does all of the above mean for education? That children should be exposed to as many different types of learning tools as possible, both digital and physical. Studies show that writing requires the brain to be actively involved in the note-taking process, and that the brain is less active when typing. Therefore, writing by hand commits more memory.
The use of digital learning tools could provide children with a much richer experience: Cartoons, educational apps, virtual classrooms and artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT can be deployed to motivate students to learn with more interactive and enjoyable practices .
The real problem in education is poverty
In essence, however, the real issue is not education, but access to it.
There are many factors that play a role in a child’s education and one of them is their economic and social environment. One of the biggest problems in education is poverty, expressed in limited access to books and computers.
This issue became apparent during the coronavirus pandemic, when children from poorer families had insufficient access to computers or books at home during periods of lockdowns, resulting in lower academic performance.
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