Using E-materials in Class

During the tutorial of another subject, I had a discussion with other classmates about the possibility of using electronic materials instead of papers and books in classrooms. We all agreed that in a way, e-learning can reduce the burden of students – at least they don’t have to carry all those books everyday. I remember when I was in junior high school, I had to carry about 13 books (around 6-7kg) everyday. I always blame those books for the fact that I couldn’t grow taller (smile).

However, many students actually resist to using high-tech things in the classrooms. I personally find it true. For example, when we are not familiar with certain operating system, we tend to become too frustrated with our computer to follow the lecturer. Speaking for myself, if I have to use computers, I would prefer to use the hardware and software that I am already comfortable with.

Sometimes, I also think using computer during class is distracting. Nearly all student start to check their email accounts immediately after they get their hands on a computer. And it’s difficult to stop the urge to check Facebook during the two-hour tutorial (Particularly, if the internet speed is faster in uni than at home).

Also, using e-material can slow down the learning process. According to Bowles and Borden (2000) people read 25% slower on screen than on paper. Morkes and Nielsen(1997) even said people do not actually read online – they scan. I’m sure lecturers don’t want students to merely scan all the course readings.

Till now, it’s pretty obvious I’m not a big fan of using new-technologies in classroom. But I can’t help thinking: maybe my reluctance is due to the fact that I’m not really the generation grows up with the internet? I mean I started to use computer when I was in elementary school, and started to use the Internet when I became 18. But unlike the kids these days, I don’t surf the web since kindergarten-age. I feel more comfortable with reading printouts than reading on screen. But perhaps the kids now (or in future) can read faster on screen. They may find it’s weird to read on papers. After all, the reading habit has been going through tremendous change since the inernet became popular worldwide. Maybe we will find out the idea of “reading on screen is slower” is not biologically designed. It’s actually a long-term trainable ability.

Finally, I’d like to mention I saw a portable e-reader in Japan, which suits people like me very much. The e-reader looked like a mobile; but after you unfold it, it would look like a portable sized book. And it’s like you are reading the actual book except you don’t have to flip the pages. I personally would love to buy something like this if I have the money.

What do you think? Do you support the idea of using e-materials in classrooms? Do you think the reading habit will change completely for the kids growing up with the Internet? What kind of portable e-reader would you like to buy?

Bibliography

Bowles, DA & Borden, DL 2000, ‘editing for the web’, Creative editing, Wadsworth, Belmont.

Nielsen, J 1997, ‘ Concise, scannable and objective: how to write for the web’, Useit.com, viewed 20^th August 2009, at .