Some people think schools should stop teaching students by using books because students find them boring, and children can learn from films, TV, video games, and computers instead. To what extent do you agree?
I completely disagree with the view that schools should abandon book-based teaching in favour of films, TV, video games and computers, as books offer unique, irreplaceable value for students’ learning.
Admittedly, digital media can be more visually engaging and make abstract content easier to grasp for some young learners. For instance, a history documentary can bring ancient events to life through vivid reenactments, and educational video games can help children memorize vocabulary through fun interactions. However, these strengths do not justify removing books from classrooms. First, books cultivate deep reading skills and critical thinking that screen-based learning cannot effectively develop. When reading a book, students need to process complex texts, follow linear logical arguments, and form mental images independently, which trains their focused attention and analytical abilities. My own high school literature experience is a good example: reading the original novel *To Kill a Mockingbird* let me reflect on moral themes at my own pace, re-read confusing paragraphs, and build personal interpretation of the story, an experience I never got from watching the film adaptation, which simplified many nuanced details for entertainment. Second, books are far less distracting than digital devices. Screen-based content usually comes with pop-up notifications, unrelated links or fast-edited clips that easily break students’ concentration. Research from the University of California found that students learning via screens retain 21% less factual information and are 30% more likely to multitask during lessons than those using printed books.
In conclusion, digital media can be a useful supplementary teaching tool, but books should remain the core of school education, as they build essential learning skills and offer focused, deep learning experiences.