TV
Sweden is making headlines for its decision to return to traditional books in schools, prioritising physical reading materials over digital devices to enhance student learning. In contrast, India is embracing a digital-first approach, leveraging technology to modernize education and make it accessible to a broader audience.
Sweden’s Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm said, “The best conditions for developing basic reading and writing skills are in analogue environments and using analogue tools. That’s why it is important that pupils get to work with pen and paper and, not least, have access to textbooks and staffed school libraries.”
Why Did Sweden Switch Back to Books After 15 Years?
As per reports, Sweden’s decision to switch back to books is due to the citizens struggling with basic fundamental skills of studying such as reading and writing skills due to solely relying on digital platforms.
As per the article published by Sweden Ministry of Education and Research, Scientific studies show that screen-free environments provide better conditions for children to develop relationships, concentrate and learn to read and write. It is therefore important for digital learning aids to only be introduced in teaching at an age when they encourage, rather than hinder, pupils’ learning. The use of such aids must therefore be carefully considered.
Indian Students & Digital Learning
Meanwhile, India is on the way to modernise education with smart classrooms and other technological equipment. Some educationists say that Sweden has set up an example for India to not move in a path where the students are entirely dependent on devices.
Reasons Why India Needs to Be Careful
In a country like India, where there are many rural places with no electricity, the urban areas are moving ahead towards modernity at a considerable speed establishing a huge gap and creating an invisible distance between the two areas.
India should consider maintaining a balance between traditional and digital platforms in education, as a complete shift to digitization may have several drawbacks:
India & Digital Divide:
Not all students have access to reliable internet and digital devices, especially in rural and economically weaker regions. This could widen the educational gap and exclude a significant portion of the population from quality education.
Impact on Cognitive Skills:
Studies suggest that reading physical books enhances comprehension, retention, and critical thinking compared to digital reading, which often encourages skimming rather than deep engagement.
Risks of Distraction:
Digital devices often come with the temptation of non-educational content, such as social media and games, making it challenging for students to stay focused.
Teacher-Student Interaction:
Face-to-face teaching fosters personal connections, mentorship, and active classroom discussions, which can be diminished in fully digital settings.
Digital Literacy in Odisha
According to the UDISE+ report for 2023-24, Odisha does not have adequate computers or teachers to train students.
Moreover, only just over 30% of the state's teachers are equipped with computer-based teaching capabilities, with a higher concentration in private institutions.
