The rush to embrace new digital reading platforms and educational materials could have consequences for how students learn, as research shows people read faster but comprehend less with digital texts as opposed to print.
From the article:
A recent survey by the research group Bay View Analytics found that 43 percent of college faculty believe students learn better with print materials — the same message students have been sending, when we bother to ask. Yes, cost issues need to be addressed, and yes, digital has a vital place in contemporary education. But so does print.
There’s a pressing need to rethink the balance between print and digital learning tools. When choosing educational materials, educators — and parents — have to consider many factors, including subject matter, cost, and convenience. However, it’s also important to remember that research findings usually tip the scales toward print as a more effective learning tool.