Face Off: Should students take notes on a tablet instead of paper in class?
Each week, two readers discuss a hot topic in a parliamentary-style debate that doesn’t necessarily reflect their personal viewpoints
The debate rages on: should students ditch paper and pen for tablets in class? Photo: Shutterstock If you are interested in joining future Face Off debates, fill out this form to submit your application.
For: Amina Seyd, 16, HHCKLA Buddhist Leung Chik Wai College
The debate between taking notes on a tablet versus traditional paper has become increasingly prevalent in the modern educational landscape. While both methods have their merits, there is a strong case for students to embrace the advantages of using a tablet for note-taking in class.
Using tablets for note-taking enhances the organisation and accessibility of information. With a tablet, students can organise their notes into digital folders, categorise them by subject or class and quickly search for specific information. Digital note-takers benefit from advanced organisational tools.
This level of organisation can be particularly beneficial for students who struggle to keep track of physical notebooks or papers.
Additionally, the ability to access all of their notes on a single device can help students stay better prepared and reduce the risk of losing important information.
Another significant benefit of using a tablet for note-taking is the flexibility it offers. Tablets allow students to easily incorporate multimedia elements, such as images, diagrams or even audio recordings, in their notes. For example, students who study subjects such as science or business could find this helpful because they rely heavily on visual or auditory information. Furthermore, the ability to edit and refine notes on the fly can help students engage with the material wherever they are.
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The environmental impact of using a tablet for note-taking cannot be overlooked.
The paper production industry consumes vast amounts of energy and water. It also contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Students can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable educational system by eliminating the need for notebooks.
Additionally, instead of carrying a heavy bag filled with textbooks and notebooks, students can have a single, lightweight device to replace all their heavy books.
Eliminating the need for physical notebooks can benefit students who commute or move between multiple classrooms throughout the day, possibly reducing any back pain caused by heavy backpacks.
As technology continues to evolve, it is clear that the integration of tablets into the educational landscape is a trend that is likely to continue and grow in the years to come.
Against: Giselle Lee, 17, West Island School
With schools across the globe becoming more accepting of technological learning in the classroom, striking changes have been made in students’ study methods, such as using tablets for taking notes.
While using tablets in class may be more convenient and environmentally friendly, the drawbacks of this practice outweigh its benefits.
The tablet may be preferable when considering sustainability: reducing single-use notebooks or use-and-throw pens and thus also decreasing the waste production from such purchases.
However, one of the problems that may occur when using tablets to take notes is the tablet itself: it’s simply too expensive. Take the infamous iPads as an example: the iPad mini costs at least HK$3,999. This does not include the Apple Pencil, extra storage or warranty for the product. Other tablets on the market have similar price ranges.
If students take notes on a tablet, this only targets certain students from wealthier backgrounds. However, all students can afford paper and pens, no matter their economic status. Schools sometimes also provide students with notebooks to use, which saves money.
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On top of that, tablets can also harm students’ physical health. Studies show that prolonged exposure to blue light can cause eye discomfort and strain in different ways, including dry eyes and blurred vision. Students are in classes for most of their day, so allowing tablet note-taking would lead to them staring at a screen for long periods, jeopardising their eyesight.
Another problem that students may face is distractions. With the internet in their hands, it may be more difficult for students to resist diverging from their classwork. This makes it harder for students to retain information they note down or memorise for their classes.
However, with paper, there are no significant distractions, and research has further shown that students’ memory retention is better while taking physical notes because of the extra effort put into making them. Writing on paper is also a great way to take a break from the amount of blue light you already get each on a daily basis.
While it may be convenient and easier to use tablets, the side effects do not justify the usage of tablets for note-taking. Hence, students should not use tablets to take notes and should stick with traditional paper and pens instead.