Norwegian research has shown the superiority of paper textbooks over electronic media

The Norwegian Special Committee on Quality Control of Gadget Displays recently published a report on its research, the results of which surprised many. It turns out, as reported by the Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the screen of any gadget should not replace books and paper.

A person’s reading comprehension improves when he reads on paper. We are talking about long texts, not short messages, for example, in instant messengers.

The use of screens in Norwegian schools, as well as around the world, has increased sharply in a short time, but the report calls for a balance between the use of digital and print devices. The Committee believes that schools should use both paper and electronic media. However, don’t forget about handwriting, because some students learn better and faster if they write by hand, while others learn better using a keyboard.

The report notes that handwriting can train students’ concentration and cognitive development. The committee believes that the use of mobile phones in school can be a learning tool, but can also be a hindrance.

“I think gadgets and the Internet are the future. Of course, everything has its downsides, but balance and proper use of tablets and computers are important here,” comments Marienlyst School student Caroline Victoria Ava Knutsen.

It is undeniable that digital technologies are an integral part of learning today. And many students have access to their own computers, for example. However, Marienlyst School still uses paper and pen in addition to the screen, and also believes that students should read more paper books.

“All educators agree that the screen should not replace a book, handwriting or physical exercise,” explains study leader Robert Steen. “The screen creates “interference” with comprehension of the text. Reading comprehension is better when we read coherent informational texts on paper than on a screen. And the advice we are already giving today is that we should continue to read paper books in Norwegian schools.”

Researchers note that when we read on a screen, we tend to read more superficially. Caroline Knutsen agrees that the screen can make her lose track of the story. “If I’m reading on a computer screen, it’s harder for me to follow the text,” she notes. But her classmates Ole Spildo Hostein and Philip Huseby Skramstad, on the contrary, believe that there is not much difference whether they read on a screen or on paper. Ole Spildo Hostein believes that reading on a screen is fine, especially since it’s easy to zoom in.

The committee’s report states that for high-proficiency students, the choice of screen or paper plays little role in learning, but for students with lower skills, they may benefit more from reading on paper.

A study conducted on randomized respondents points to the fact that handwriting can train students’ concentration and cognitive development. Idunn Mire Jacobsen and Mathilde Bakken Svana emphasize that they believe it is better to read in a book than on a screen, and that learning material is retained better if they write by hand.

Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordthun also spoke out on the issue and agreed that due to the use of gadgets in schools on a large scale, it is necessary to think through nationwide rules for the use of mobile phones in school

Master’s student in educational technology Mimi Dedikhen believes it is right that mobile phones should not be part of the school day. “I don’t see any reason why students should be allowed to have phones in class,” she says. Students are expected to put their phones in a special cabinet when they come to class.

It is quite possible that new rules for using gadgets in schools will come into force as early as 2024.