Overview of the Education Technology Landscape in the United States

The textbook publishing industry in the United States is valued at $11 billion, dominated by five companies controlling approximately 80% of the market. In contrast, the tablet industry is worth $18 billion, with significant ownership among US adults and children. The rise of tablets has sparked debate on transitioning K-12 education from print textbooks to digital formats, emphasizing the alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).

Federal Initiatives in Education Technology

Since 2010, the US Department of Education has implemented strategic plans to enhance learning through technology. Key initiatives include:

• National Education Technology Plan promoting mobile device integration in classrooms.
• Collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop the “Digital Textbook Playbook” encouraging digital textbook adoption.
• ConnectEd program aiming to provide high-speed broadband to all schools and libraries, facilitating digital learning.
• Every Student Succeeds Act (2015) authorizing up to $1.6 billion annually to support digital learning, teacher training, and resources for underserved communities.

These efforts support SDG 4 by fostering inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

State-Level Education Technology Initiatives

State policies vary in digital learning implementation, with some mandating and others permitting digital instructional materials. Highlights include:

• Dedicated funding for digital materials and devices in several states.
• More than 10 states providing guidance for digital learning during school closures.
• Operation of virtual schools expanding access to education, especially in rural areas.
• Professional development for teachers in digital learning methodologies.

These initiatives contribute to SDG 10 by addressing educational disparities and promoting equal access to learning technologies.

Internet Access and Tablet Use in K-12 Schools

Significant progress has been made in internet connectivity and digital resource use in schools:

1. Internet access in K-12 classrooms increased from 51% in 1998 to 98% in 2012.
2. By 2018, 98% of school districts had high-speed broadband, covering 44.7 million students.
3. K-12 schools spend $5.8 billion annually on printed materials and $2.5 billion on digital resources.
4. 75% of teachers anticipate complete replacement of print textbooks by digital content by 2026.
5. Popular classroom devices include laptops (56%), desktops (54%), tablets (51%), and interactive whiteboards (45%).
6. One-to-one computing initiatives involve 40% of students receiving personal digital devices.
7. Only 28% of schools worldwide offered formal digital citizenship programs in 2017.

These developments align with SDG 4 by enhancing the quality and accessibility of education through technology.

Perspectives on Tablets Versus Print Textbooks

Advantages of Tablets in Education

• Accelerate learning objectives by 30-80%, improving student achievement (SDG 4).
• 81% of K-12 teachers report tablets enrich classroom education and increase motivation.
• Tablets consolidate hundreds of textbooks and materials, reducing physical storage needs.
• Digital textbooks cost less than print, lowering financial barriers for schools.
• Improved standardized test scores observed with tablet use.
• Technological features such as interactive content enhance engagement and creativity.
• Reduce physical strain and injuries caused by heavy backpacks.
• Prepare students for technology-driven careers, supporting Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).
• Instant updates to educational content ensure up-to-date learning materials.
• Decrease paper usage, contributing to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
• Enable personalized learning through diverse educational applications.
• Facilitate flexible access to learning materials via cloud storage.
• Supported by high-level education officials advocating for digital transition.
• Increase reading volume among students owning tablets.
• Intuitive use makes learning engaging and accessible.

Challenges and Concerns Regarding Tablet Use

• Health issues including eyestrain, headaches, and musculoskeletal disorders associated with device use.
• Higher initial and maintenance costs compared to print textbooks, potentially exacerbating educational inequalities (SDG 10).
• Distractions from non-educational content impacting student focus.
• Lower comprehension and retention rates with digital reading compared to print.
• Insufficient home internet access for many students, limiting equitable learning opportunities.
• Environmental impact of tablet manufacturing is significant and harmful.
• Repairing tablets requires specialized skills and resources.
• Risk of technical failures such as crashes and security vulnerabilities.
• Battery life limitations restrict continuous use during school days.
• Higher likelihood of loss or theft compared to physical textbooks.
• Potential for increased academic dishonesty facilitated by technology.
• Digital divide risks marginalizing low-income districts.
• New excuses for incomplete homework due to technical issues.
• Shift in learning focus from teacher to technology may undermine educational quality.
• Challenges for less technologically proficient teachers in adopting digital tools.
• Print textbooks remain relevant and effective for foundational knowledge.

Conclusion and Recommendations

1. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of tablets in education considering SDG targets for inclusive, equitable quality education and reduced inequalities.
2. Invest in infrastructure and teacher training to maximize the positive impact of digital learning.
3. Address the digital divide by ensuring affordable access to devices and internet connectivity for all students.
4. Promote digital citizenship programs to foster responsible technology use.
5. Balance technological adoption with pedagogical best practices to maintain educational quality.

References

Data and insights are drawn from multiple sources including the US Department of Education, Federal Communications Commission, State Educational Technology Directors Association, surveys by Deloitte and Schoology, and various academic and industry reports.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article discusses the integration of digital learning tools such as tablets and e-textbooks in K-12 education, aiming to improve learning outcomes, access to educational resources, and teacher effectiveness.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The article highlights the importance of high-speed broadband access in schools and the deployment of digital infrastructure to support digital learning.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Issues related to the digital divide, unequal access to internet and technology among low-income students and school districts are discussed.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions health concerns related to tablet use, such as eyestrain, headaches, and musculoskeletal disorders.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Environmental impacts of manufacturing tablets versus print textbooks are discussed, including resource use and carbon emissions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

• SDG 4: Quality Education
  • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
  • Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers through training and professional development, including the effective use of technology in education.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• SDG 4 Indicators
  • Proportion of children and young people achieving minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics (related to improved standardized test scores with tablet use).
  • Percentage of schools with access to digital learning materials and trained teachers in technology use (implied by federal and state initiatives and teacher training programs).
  • Percentage of students using digital devices in classrooms daily (42% of teachers reported daily use of digital devices).
  • Access to internet and broadband in schools (98% of K-12 schools had high-speed broadband by 2018).
• SDG 9 Indicators
  • Proportion of schools with internet access and broadband connectivity.
  • Investment in digital infrastructure for education (e.g., $1.6 billion annual grants for digital learning).
• SDG 10 Indicators
  • Percentage of students lacking home internet or device access (about five million families lack broadband).
  • Disparities in technology implementation between rich and poor school districts.
• SDG 3 Indicators
  • Incidence rates of health issues related to tablet use such as Computer Vision Syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Number of backpack-related injuries reduced due to lighter digital materials.
• SDG 12 Indicators
  • Environmental impact metrics of tablet manufacturing versus print textbook production (resource use, carbon emissions).
  • Reduction in paper use due to digital handouts and assignments.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: britannica.com