As tablets have become more prevalent, a new debate has formed over whether K-12 school districts should switch from print textbooks to digital textbooks on tablets.

Advocates of tablets say that they are supported by most teachers and students, are much lighter than print textbooks, and improve standardized test scores. Tablets are able to hold hundreds of textbooks, save the environment by lowering printing amounts, increase student interactivity and creativity, and are cheaper than print textbooks.

School districts should switch all of their print textbooks to digital online textbooks, accessible through computers and tablets.

There are many advantages to switching to online textbooks and tablets. Tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks on one device, plus homework, quizzes, and other files, eliminating the need for physical storage of books and classroom materials. Not only does this create more space in the classroom, but it also helps the students create space in their backpacks, lockers, and desks. Print textbooks add an extra 1-2 pounds to students’ backpacks, causing many health problems. Online textbooks would completely eliminate this problem, allowing students to access their textbooks anywhere at anytime during school through their tablet.

Also, tablets help students better prepare for a world immersed in technology. On a tablet, digital textbooks can be updated instantly to get new editions or information. Students are able to get updated information while becoming technologically advanced. They learn new skills which they will need, early in life allowing them to better prepared to pursue relevant careers later in life. The fastest growing and highest paying jobs in the United States are technology intensive. Using online textbooks will allow students to grow accustom to advances and growing technological world and generation.

Through the use of online textbooks and tablets, schools will be able to save money while at the same time grow better in their educational results. E-textbooks on tablets cost on average 50-60% less than print textbooks, and along with this, tablets lower the amount of paper teachers have to print for handouts and assignments, helping to save the environment and money. Not only do schools save money, but they also have been shown to get better academic achievements and  results on standardized tests through this change. Using a tablet is so intuitive that it makes learning fun and easy. Kids actually want to get involved in their learning if it is interactive and entertaining. Tablets contain many technological features that cannot be found in print textbooks allowing students to access new information, which they couldn’t find before.

Although some might say this change would be distracting to students, it would only be beneficial. Along with students, teachers would also benefit. The learning environment would become more interactive, advanced, and clutter free. Online textbooks and tablets have many advantages including lower costs and higher educational results. So, because of all of the aforementioned benefits digital textbooks have, school districts should switch from print textbooks to online.