Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on technology and learning.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

As more educational materials become available in digital formats, a debate has emerged between the use of digital textbooks and traditional printed books. Digital books are often cheaper, more portable, and have interactive features. However, some research suggests that students retain information better when reading from physical paper. Which format do you believe is better for learning? Why?

Student response 1:

I prefer digital textbooks because they are much more convenient and environmentally friendly. You can carry an entire library on one lightweight tablet, and features like the search function make finding information much faster. In addition, they often include helpful videos and quizzes that printed books don't have.

Student response 2:

I believe physical textbooks are better for serious studying. It's easier to focus on a printed page without the notifications and other distractions that come with a tablet or computer. However, the main reason is that many people find it less straining on their eyes, which allows for longer and more effective study sessions.