In the age of electronic and digital information, it may sound outdated to say that print media is better than digital one. However, there are many aspects to this view, and most important one is of course, the cost and time involved in buying printed materials. We’ll take a look the focus and concentration required to absorb the information from printed and electronic media.
Why E-books?
Lets discuss about why to go for printed books when everything is available online and in digital format. It is easy to carry and store. You don’t need huge space to keep and maintain Ebook. You can carry hundreds and even thousands of ebooks with you wherever you go. Also, if you lose any book, you can instantly download a new version. So these are the advantages of E-books or electronic reading materials.
Why Printed Book?
Did you ever think why printed books are still recommended and mandatory in schools, especially in elementary schools? It is the traditional way of learning new things. In ancient times when there was no print media, there were very few copies of whatever were written either on stones, wood or later on specific leaves. Basically, when you write something, u write it in your mind. It gets inscribed or embedded somewhere in your mind. That is the reason kids in schools are asked to write with pen and paper. That way, whatever is written gets saved in the long term memory of mind, when done repetitively.
The same is true for reading in printed form. Many studies have been conducted on readers of both printed and electronic media. Some of the common observations are.
Printed materials are preferred because
- It is more satisfying that electronic media
- It gives the feel of a book, that avid readers love
- Less eye strain than when reading a similar E-book
- Information lasts longer in the memory
- Develops the habit of reading
- Less distraction and more focus
- No worries about charging the device
Concentration and Focus
The last point in the above list is about developing better focus when you read printed materials. Whatever you read, gets embedded in your memory and you enjoy the experience. Also, some people read in different postures, sitting or lying on the bed, which is not possible in electronic media.
The intention of this post is to not promote printed media, but to stress on the point that focus is important in everything. That is the reason, printed books and writing on paper is the most popular mode of teaching in schools even today.