A recently published article featured on Phys.org suggests that tablet-based computers are no longer a distraction but a useful supplement to students when used in an educational setting.

“With technology in education becoming the new normal, it's increasingly important for educators to understand how ubiquitous mobile technology such as tablets can enhance learning instead of being classroom distractions, says Dilip Chhajed, a professor of business administration at Illinois and co-author of the study,” according to the article.

Chhajed’s paper was based on research that concentrated on effects of mobile technology on students as they completed a “graduate professional business program.”

Chhajed and his co-author Gopesh Anand learned that students used the tablets as a tool to communicate as well as a reading device most of the time. They found that 49 percent of the reading assigned was done using the device.

“By the end of the academic year in which the mobile tablet was introduced, 80 percent of students indicated they were comfortable reading content on a screen, noting that they rarely printed documents anymore,” according to the article.

From the study, convenience played a major factor in the student’s use of the tablets.

"Students liked not having to carry heavy backpacks full of books and laptops, and they enjoyed the easy, anytime-anywhere access to class materials," said Anand.

It is true that mobile devices eliminate the strain on students when it comes to carrying their heavy backpacks. A more portable solution has proven to be the winner in almost every situation it’s introduced. Portability and accessibility have been two driving factors in technology today and it just happens to be important to students as well.

"It was aimed at creating pull from the students and faculty saying, 'Yes, this is something we want,'" said Anand, according to the article. "We always think before we do anything new that we should lay the groundwork to preempt complaints from students, faculty or staff.”

Not only does it seem to benefit students, but faculty as well. Anand and Gopesh’s research shows that utilizing tablet-based computers makes sense as a useful tool for education.

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Article by Navindra Persaud, Education World contributor