Students Who Own Tablets More Likely To Favor Digital Textbooks

New Pearson Foundation Survey: Students Who Own Tablets More Likely To Favor Digital Textbooks

“Majority of Students Want Their Own Tablet Device

(WASHINGTON) May 25, 2011 — Students who own tablet devices are far more likely to favor digital formats for their textbooks than non-tablet owners, and the overwhelming majority of student tablet owners believe the devices are valuable for educational purposes, according to a new survey from the Pearson Foundation.

The survey reveals more than 70 percent of college students and college-bound high school seniors are interested in owning their own tablet device, with nearly 20 percent intending to purchase a tablet in the next six months.

The Pearson Foundation Survey on Students and Tablets was conducted to gauge college students’ and college-bound high school seniors’ opinions about digital device ownership and purchase intent; perceptions towards tablets; tablet usage and features of interest; and preferences between digital or print formats when reading, studying and doing other school-related activities. The survey was conducted online in March 2011 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Pearson Foundation among 1,214 college students and 200 college-bound high school seniors. The survey is the first in a series of surveys to assess students’ use, acceptance and preferences when using mobile technology for learning.

Although current ownership of tablets is still low among those surveyed (seven percent of college students and four percent of college-bound high school seniors), nine out of 10 tablet owners say the devices help students study more efficiently (86%), and three-quarters believe tablets help students perform better in class (76%).

“The level of enthusiasm shown by the survey respondents underscores the potential of mobile technology to transform college and high school learning, particularly with regard to digital course materials,” said Mark Nieker, president of the Pearson Foundation.”

Stephen