Dive Brief:

• Literacy experts and advocates are divided over whether tablets actually support the development of literacy in young students.
• Some say the technology has drawn young readers away from the commitment required for physical books.
• Others say apps and interactive games may provide sneaky ways to introduce students to reading beyond the traditional medium.

Dive Insight:

The Guardian took a look at the debate in Britain and found sharply divided stances even within the literary community. Still, many point to the fact that books developed over centuries, as well, and once lacked the established status they now hold.

“Don’t forget the suspicion with which Socrates greeted writing,” Irene Picton of the UK's National Literacy Trust told EdSurge. “He thought that people wouldn’t remember things if they were reading them rather than listening to them. Now we’re worried about not remembering things because we’re reading them on a screen not a page.”

She also said students’ use of apps may also get them to read in ways that aren’t currently being measured now. For example, students may incidentally read text while playing a videogame that helps boost their literacy skills.

Recommended Reading

EdSurge: Do Tablets Help or Hinder Childhood Literacy?