Learning and Reading- What Does Our Future Generation Want?

Can technological advancement replace traditional practices? Before you go on to answer the question, let me give you 2 examples, music and telephones. Initially music was played live, but technology allowed recording and reproducing music, which eventually resulted in replacing the gramophones and cassettes with iPods and mp3 players. Similarly the land-line phones were first replaced by portable phones which were in turn replaced by mobile phones. So is it possible with further technological advancements our traditional educational system will be replaced by online learning? Will tomorrow’s students end up reading only from e-books? Can digital books replace paper books?

The Traditional Vs. Digital Debate

Most of us are aware that there has been plenty of discussion and debate regarding online learning and classroom education. Some claim eLearning is the future while others conclude that digital learning can never replace face-to-face instruction. Similarly there is adequate discussion on whether eBooks can replace paper books. Many people claim that digital books are easy and more convenient; while others believe that eBooks can never offer the satisfaction of reading traditional paper books.

Digital Reading or Paper Reading?

The truth is that pixels are fast taking over paper with most readers now opting to read books on Kindle or other e-readers. The reading habits of today’s readers have changed a lot as they do not care about the smell of new paper or the feel of printed ink on the page; neither does progressing to the 100th page and marking their advancement with a bookmark have any significance. For them convenience, accessibility and affordability is everything.

Moreover many brick-and-mortar bookshops across the globe have shutdown as the traditional method of selling books has shattered as a result of heavy discounts from different e-commerce websites. The fact is the gradually increasing sales and download of digital books is slowing digging the grave of printed paper books, even though many would disagree.

The Online Learning Revolution

Similarly, online learning has also gained immense popularity among students across the globe in the past few years. Although traditional classroom learning is still dominating the education sector, but it cannot be denied that with rising college tuition many students are going online to earn an accredited and affordable degree.

Today’s learners do not want to spend a lot of time in the classroom and follow strict schedules which prevents them from pursuing other interests. It has been observed that growing number of high school graduates are now skipping college in order to avoid crippling student debts and pursuing online educational programmes. These online courses offer the learners the opportunity to pursue higher education and gain work experience at the same time. As the students do not need to adhere to any fixed schedules, then can work full time jobs and attend online lectures at night from their homes. As the content can be easily accessed online 24/7, learners can study as per their convenience.

However, to say that online learning will replace traditional education will be stretching it a bit too far. Studies show that even with growing tuition fees, a college degree is still worth it.

What Is The Solution?

Due to the growing demand of online education, many reputed colleges and universities have taken the “Blended Learning” approach where students can learn both online and on-campus.

As the interests and preferences of today’s students are constantly changing, it only makes sense for universities to offer programmes which provide the best of both digital learning and campus life. But it still remains to be seen whether online learning will replace traditional learning or if eBooks will replace paper books.