Technology impacts almost every part of life. Broadband, smartphones, and portable technologies have changed how we communicate, how we access information, and how we work and learn.

While many of these changes are positive, there is growing evidence that digital isn’t always better. In education settings, researchers are starting to cast doubt on the growing reliance on technology in the classroom. Studies suggest that choosing digital over printed resources may be negatively affecting the ability of students to learn and remember information. There is also growing concern about the impact of digital technology on mental health.

digital v paper-based learning

Several studies have compared reading from digital text and printed text and found that comprehension is better overall when people read print. Screens encourage us to quickly scan text, so we often don’t give enough attention and thought to complex information.

In addition to encouraging us to read quickly, reading online usually involves scrolling, which can make it hard for the brain to create mental maps that help us remember. In comparison, when reading a printed book, it’s easy to know roughly which page you’re on and where you are in the document.

Research has also shown that those who use computers heavily at school do a lot worse in most learning outcomes, even after accounting for social background and student demographics. 

The benefits of paper in learning aren’t restricted to reading. Writing on paper, rather than typing on a keyboard, can also produce better results. A 2014 study compared the outcome of students taking lecture notes by hand with those who took notes on a laptop. When it came to testing the students on their knowledge of the information, they were allowed to review their notes for 10 minutes. Those who took longhand notes performed better on both factual and conceptual questions.

Perhaps the biggest difference between reading printed material compared to reading on a screen is the distractions. When we read on a screen, we’re more often than not simultaneously connected to other services. These can serve up pop-ups and alerts from social media, email, and messaging platforms, diverting our attention and breaking our concentration. 

digital v paper and mental health

There is also growing concern about the impact of digital devices on mental health, including increased rates of anxiety and depression. 

With our digital devices in use 24/7, there is often little respite from online stimulation. Printed materials can offer a much-needed break, borne out by one study that found students using paper-based planners experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who used digital planners.

printed books for bedtime reading

Using screens at bedtime also affects how well we sleep. A study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that those who read from a tablet took longer to fall asleep, had less REM sleep, and felt less rested in the morning compared to those who read from a printed book.

Poor sleep quality impacts mental well-being and can be linked to a range of negative health issues, such as increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Although I’ve given just a few examples here, a growing body of research suggests that the shift away from printed material is not only detrimental to our ability to learn and remember information but also affecting our overall well-being.

While digital learning is still relatively new, it seems clear that balancing the use of paper-based and digital resources is essential. If we can help you design and print learning materials and books, get in touch on 01865 242098 or contact us using the button below.