Do Computers Damage Your Learning Ability?

Some recent studies have shown that readers of digital media absorb less effectively than readers of paper. In one recent study, carried out at Stavenger University in Norway, students were given a short story to read, half on a Kindle and half on paper. In subsequent tests where they were asked to reconstruct the plot, the paper readers did significantly better.

In a previous study, again in Norway, 72 students were given some text to read, with some reading a PDF document and others reading it on paper. In the comprehension tests that followed, the paper readers did significantly better.

Many people feel that their comprehension and retention after reading on a computer is less effective than reading the same thing on paper. Some studies have indicated that students often prefer to study on paper.

This line of research has serious implications for today's students who get much of their information from computers. Also, there has been a move to move textbooks into digital format. But is this really a good idea?

One observer concludes that we need to learn about which types of information can be best absorbed using digital media and which using paper. It's an important question and one that requires further research.

For more, check out this article.