Schools, parents and children divided over the benefits of reading ebooks
Some parents say printed books develop motor skills, others say ebooks are hasslefree
MUMBAI: Two recent surveys have showed that when it comes to e-books, there are two schools of thought. While one survey done by a city school suggests 80% children prefer reading on electronic devices, another shows that students will always opt to read printed books.The 8 to 10-year olds from six Podar schools, who were the respondents of the first survey, said e-books made their schoolbags lighter.
“They said e-books were convenient because they can be accessed round the clock and it is easy to search for specific information on them,” said Anand Chawla, director, information and communication technology of the group of schools.
The second study is at odds with this school’s
survey. When Scholastic, a publishing house, asked students about their
reading habits, 4 in 10 children who have read an e-book said they
preferred to read printed books.
Students and parents are divided over the benefits of reading online. “In 3 to 4 years, we may no longer be using pen and paper and so, we need to get used to reading online,” said Ayushie Chakraborty, a Class 8 student from Andheri. Echoing her views, Priyanka Takalkar, a parent from Thane, said she prefers e-books for her six-year-old child as they are hassle-free.
Some parents said that children should stick to reading printed books in former years of their education. “Reading print helps develop fine motor skills, such as eye-to-hand co-ordination,” said Bhakti Sawant Gupta, mother of an 8-year-old studying in a Borivli schools.
School principals fear these devices may distract students. “If every child is given a tablet, he or she won’t pay attention in class,” said Freny Mehta, principal, Alexandra Girls’ English Institution, Fort.
Students and parents are divided over the benefits of reading online. “In 3 to 4 years, we may no longer be using pen and paper and so, we need to get used to reading online,” said Ayushie Chakraborty, a Class 8 student from Andheri. Echoing her views, Priyanka Takalkar, a parent from Thane, said she prefers e-books for her six-year-old child as they are hassle-free.
Some parents said that children should stick to reading printed books in former years of their education. “Reading print helps develop fine motor skills, such as eye-to-hand co-ordination,” said Bhakti Sawant Gupta, mother of an 8-year-old studying in a Borivli schools.
School principals fear these devices may distract students. “If every child is given a tablet, he or she won’t pay attention in class,” said Freny Mehta, principal, Alexandra Girls’ English Institution, Fort.
21 Sep 2016 | Mumbai | Puja Pednekar puja.pednekar@hindustantimes.com
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