With the prevalence and draw of tablets and cellphones, it’s important to understand the effect they have on our children. Recent research is examining how reading on screens versus printed paper affects children’s developing brains. As digital media becomes more prevalent in education, concerns about “screen inferiority”—reduced comprehension and retention from screen reading—have emerged.
Key Findings:
- Neuroscience Insights: Using electroencephalography (EEG), researchers studied brain activity in children aged six to eight during reading sessions on screens and printed paper.
- Brain Activity Patterns: EEG data revealed that reading on printed paper increased brain activity in areas related to cognitive engagement and attention. In contrast, screen reading showed patterns associated with less focused attention and higher cognitive load.
- Cognitive Load and Attention: Children found it harder to concentrate and process information on screens, as evidenced by EEG patterns and attention task performance.
Future Research Directions:
- Expanding studies to include a broader demographic and different types of texts and reading conditions to understand better how various mediums impact young readers’ brains.
Implications:
Understanding the cognitive effects of reading mediums is crucial for optimizing learning environments in the digital age, ensuring young minds can thrive.