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 education.

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:

In our discussion on modern education, let's consider the role of textbooks. Many universities are shifting from traditional printed textbooks to digital e-books, which are often cheaper and more portable. However, some research suggests that students have better comprehension and retention when reading from physical paper. In your opinion, should universities completely replace physical textbooks with digital versions? Why or why not?

Student response 1:

I believe universities should fully adopt digital textbooks. They are much more convenient because students can access all their materials on a single laptop or tablet. Furthermore, e-books are better for the environment since they save a tremendous amount of paper, making them a more sustainable option for the future.

Student response 2:

I disagree with a complete switch to digital books. Many students, including myself, find it easier to concentrate and avoid distractions when reading a physical book. Also, taking notes in the margins is much more natural with a paper copy, so I think keeping print options available is important for learning.