iPads should replace papers and books in schools.

Firstly, I would like to express my anger in losing a very long-written argument by clicking one stupid button. Okay, let's try this again. After researching the subject, I am beginning to see that this debate is a bit unspecific. Firstly, much of the current controversy has been about replacing textbooks in schools, and not necessarily all books as your title suggests. Also Pro didn't specify whether this applied to college, high school, or all schools. I will have to assume we are discussing all schools. A. Convenience Pro first gives reasons that the iPad is convenient, hence he prefers it to non-digital supplies. The iPad has previously been used at the college level with mixed feelings from the students. I would like to point out that not everyone shares his preference of the iPad or finds it convenient. In fact, in a study it was found that 75% of college students preferred traditional textbooks in which students can highlight and write notes. [1] Girls especially were found not to prefer textbooks... I'm not sure what that means. B. Cheapness Pro suggests that it is cheaper to invest in iPads than textbooks. In a 2008 study of public schools in Kentucky it was estimated that the cost of textbooks and supplies totaled around $44 million. The cost per school was around $988 for textbooks and supplies.[2] That is less than the cost of two iPads which I believe start at $499. To provide iPads to all the students in that school, in that state, or even in the country would be an enormous sum. And what happens if a student damages their device? Is the student's parents required to pay $500 for a new one? Which brings me to my next point, the inconveniences of the iPad. 1. Durability The main difference between an iPad and a textbook that Apple and other companies cannot avoid is the event of dropping the device. I drop my textbook often and at worst a page is bent. I then promptly flatten it out. If I run into that kid who can't decide if he's going to the left or right and my iPad is knocked from my hands, the screen is broken to bits. Or consider if someone has a less reliable tablet other than a Mac and it crashes–it is a computer after all. Each case requires a hefty sum either from the student, the parents, or the school. 2. Digital Books Consider the differences of stealing a printed book and a digital book. A digital book can be stolen much easier and with little or no consequences as demonstrated by the music industry. After computers came along, stealing music became as easy as pressing a button. If books are digitalized, online piracy is a real possibility. This is not in the best interest of many book writers and publishers. 3. Libraries You suggest that iPads will someday entirely replace books. This would render public and school libraries useless. A digital library would make no sense–why would any book be bought if it could simply be downloaded off the library for free? Since this doesn't work, libraries would have no purpose. Thus, books could no longer be borrowed for free. Each book would have to be purchased unless it is public domain. It follows that many resources will be more expensive for students who need to do research. Lastly, Pro mentions saving trees. The beautiful thing about trees is that they grow again. We may conclude that while the iPad has its purposes, it should not replace the printed books used in schools. We can also be sure that the printed book will retain its importance in society despite the benefits of the iPad. [1] http://www.mediabistro.com... [2] http://finance.ky.gov...