Books materials have been used to teach and learn from since we began writing and making any kind of prints. For numerous centuries, it has been the bedrock of all types of educational practices. In the times before the vast technology boom, it was the people who created most reading materials.
But with the advent of modern technology, the scenarios and landscapes for most things we do have almost entirely changed. Today, information can also be easily thought of, created, and distributed from even remote locations. All one needs is a decent electronic device and an Internet connection.
However, not everyone wants or likes things to come without making any effort. Those who belong to this category also believe that printed information must be preserved at all costs.
In this article, we will analyze the reasons behind both attitudes. But before we start, we can’t but emphasize that one’s academic success shouldn’t ever be affected by the mode of education. Thankfully, today, students can easily avail of various digital services to help them get higher grades.
Some of the most popular online services are essay writing, paper editing, and proofreading. However, students should always run quick checks before finalizing their service. For example, they can explore paper writer reviews to read feedback on experts in this sphere. In case you’ve already found your perfect service, let’s get back to the relevance of studying with the help of books.
Here’s Why Books Are Not as Useful Anymore
Most Books Can Be Found Online
The digitization of almost all information has decentralized the overall process of sharing and receiving it. This means that the information that was earlier reserved for some is now available for almost anyone.
Today, a copy of almost every book can be found and purchased online. To make the availability of academics-related content easier, most educational institutions have also adopted the digital distribution of their subject materials.
Books Take Up a Lot of Space
Physical books appeal to everyone until it comes to finding space to store them. As the number of one’s books increases, it becomes more cumbersome to keep them organized. As a result, your room may become cluttered, which will distract you from studying.
On the other hand, digital books come in various formats, and one can have a million of them on a single device. However, those who wish to keep important books for aesthetic and sentimental purposes should always do so.
They Are Expensive
Even if one looks up the prices of paperback versions on Amazon, a platform well-known for cheaper options, they will still be amazed at the cost. And this is simply the cost one has to bear to read. Let’s be real: not all books are worth their sometimes enormous prices.
Digital versions of books are cheaper. Besides, in the niche of digital books, no company can match the facilities and services the Amazon Kindle provides.
They Can Have Several Flaws & Look Shabby
The creation and distribution of all books rely on mechanical processes. And the more the number of such processes, the greater the chances for errors and mistakes are. Their manufacturing is not ideal.
Some of the most common flaws in books are misprints, loose binding, and faulty materials. Sometimes, they contain blank or half-printed pages. Moreover, a printed book wears out with time to the point when it becomes unreadable.
More Engaging & Interactive Forms of Learning Appear
When we say technology in education, we do not only mean digital books or online information. Today, education has diversified and evolved to accommodate various other effective forms of learning. Because of the rise in technology, we have been able to discover newer and more potent ways to absorb knowledge.
Books only offer the most traditional approach to studying – memorization through reading. Modern learning uses highly engaging delivery channels. Some popular methods are AR, VR, video lectures, and a lot more.
Here’s How, Where, & Why Books Are Still Useful
Aesthetic & Sentimental Value
People who have grown up reading real books that can be touched and felt would jump into any discussion about their value. There is also a vast majority of readers who still only stick to reading from real books.
The digital reading experience tends to take away things like the scent of a book, the feel of a book, and the turning of pages. The more we move into a digital world, the more the value for physical things will increase.
Being a Powerful Mode of Education in Several Parts of the World
Several parts of the world still don’t have enough facilities to reap the fruits of digitization. Third-world countries, along with some developing nations, still lack the services to provide their students with digital education. Thus, they have no other choice but to rely on the power of real and reliable books.
With books, institutions can continue providing their people with good quality education. In any place or time, books can be studied without the need for an Internet connection.
Health Concerns
It is scientifically proven that it is harmful to one’s health to keep staring at screens for a long time. But with digital books, one cannot help but do this. Indeed, individuals can quickly get tired from excessive screen time.
In such cases, switching to reading from books can boost one’s overall propensity to absorb the material. This phenomenon occurs because most of us are still hardwired to read from books rather than electronic devices.
Technology-Associated Risks
Huge portions of today’s world are powered by technology. But if a disruption in service provision occurs even for a while, it usually causes a lot of chaos in our lives. We might experience various technological disruptions. For instance, Amazon Kindle can run out of battery, the power may go out, your device may catch a virus, or the Internet is too slow.
Imagine not being able to study before an exam because the power is out. Books are completely devoid of any technical glitch or hazard.
The Bottom Line
While books may not be as practical in many areas because of technology, they are still abundantly used by many across the world. Though, recent patterns also show that avid paperback readers are gradually moving to Amazon Kindles. There is no definite answer to this discussion. The best thing one can do is find the perfect balance between books and devices.