Why Printed Learning Materials are Better

Having learning materials printed, rather than other options such as digitally delivered, provides a superior environment for learning according to the latest research.

Intergraf is the European federation for print and digital communication. It conducted a study that has placed immense weight on the argument that reading on paper results in more in-depth understanding, retention, and concentration as well as vocabulary building and memory. 

The study, called E-READ (Evolution of Reading in the Age of Digitization), and was overseen by a network of about 200 academics from all over Europe.

The study, which reinforces the value of printed materials, was a four-year project examining the outcome of 54 separate research studies that involved 170,000 people. 

Intergraf studied, researched, and examined the outcome of 54 studies with a total of over 170,000 people who participated from 19 countries. It gained overwhelming evidence that reading and understanding of text from paper is much stronger than reading and understanding it from the screen, especially when the reader is under time pressure. 

The study concluded that printed learning materials are an essential tool for effective education.

E-READ is implementing highly informative research and debates about the effects of digitization on reading for people, especially young ones and students.  

According to the research, print readers have a better recall of the relationship between events and can recreate the structure of a text better than screen readers. Print reading’s advantage was better and higher under time constraints than digital reading. The main disadvantage of digital reading was scrolling.  

The disadvantage of digital reading for students in elementary has resulted in two-thirds of the yearly increase in reading comprehension. It means that the students only possibly progressed by one-third, unlike when students read on paper. 

The fact that students who read from digital devices only achieve one-third of the possible progression is frightening. Also, the increased time spent learning from screens is concerning. 

Integraf urged policymakers and educational organizations, to make sure that printed materials still maintain their role in education. 

Intergraf also took immediate action to ensure European education does not degrade at all levels. The study results and outcomes are useful to create strategies that will affect student learning and development. 

Promoting reading on digital devices affects students learning outcomes negatively. 

Necessary tools, like printed informational texts, books, or paper books, are still better than digital devices. The study made the academic scene as well as parents aware of the dangers of reading on digital devices.   

“The development of students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking skills must be immediately safeguarded. A failure to act on the advice given in such studies creates an immediate risk that students’ learning outcomes will be negatively affected by the increasing tendency of schools in Europe to promote reading on digital devices without the necessary tools and strategies to ensure this does not cause a setback in reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Products which are proven to facilitate comprehension and critical thinking, such as paper books and other printed informational texts, already exist and should not be overlooked. Paper is a technology of proven strengths,” Integraf’s statement read.

Intergraf study made substantial reports, results, and recommendations as to why schools should still go for printed text.

Aside from Intergraf, there is also a study titled “Busting The Myths” conducted by the Two Sides Team that found 69% of European consumers preferred to read books in print, 54% for print newspapers, and 61% for print magazines.  

Other than Intergraf and Busting The Myths, there are a lot more studies that show evidence that print is still better than digital devices. Also, some studies show that print is best at improving people’s understanding of the text. This is essential and important, especially for students or young people. 

Intergraf shows significant evidence and arguments that print is still better than digital for learning. The body wants the government and institutions of learning to be aware of how digital devices have changed the development of people, especially the young ones. 

If this trend continues, the quality of education all over the world may continue to suffer.

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