Monisha Wamankar

Should Textbooks be replaced by Notebook Computers? Introduction A good book in the words of John Milton,“Is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up to a purpose to a life beyond life.” In the 21st century, there have been a plethora of technological advancements which have made our lives comparatively easier. It is quite common nowadays to find smart classes paving their way in the education system. Similar to smart classes, pads etc., Notebook Computers can also be seen as a supplement in imparting knowledge and accelerate the pace of progress but the idea that the computer one day would replace the book is unthinkable and far-fetched. A book is more cost-effective Buying a notebook computer might not be affordable for everyone. They are expensive and further damage can increase the cost. Book, on the other hand, provide the most cost-effective means for spreading education and literacy, for it is available at the fraction of the cost of a computer. Several times old books of elder brother/sister help the other siblings. Books not in use can also be sold at an effective prize from which many other students who aren’t able to buy the new ones can benefit. A book is independent of external factors A notebook computer relies on many other sources for its working like power supply, availability of software, space etc. That are essential prerequisites for it. Book, on the other hand, is portable and handy. If you want to go through the contents of the book then two basic requirements needed are time and inclination. You can benefit from it anywherewhile traveling, during any time of the day or night and even while dozing off to sleep. A book is more trustworthy A book includes professionally curated contents. The facts are checked by academic professionals. Authors sometimes devote a long time of their life to find well researched and explored matter which is compiled into a ‘book’ which continue to serve generations after generations. The content on the internet which can be accessed by notebook computers lacks credibility. It is really hard to judge the authenticity of the provided content and rely on it. The reason behind this is that a written word commands a high degree of respectability and faith. While we may see or hear various pieces of information on the internet, there is nothing better than confirming the same from a newspaper or a book. Ideas in a book are immortal Thoughts and ideas in a book are immortal, like Tulsidas's Ram Charitra Manas, Ved Vyas’ Mahabharata, Bible, and many other religious and literary works like Shakespeare's plays. Book seldom connects us to our culture. It reveals the beauty of our past and history. It connects centuries and adds spices to our life. Reading a religious text through a notebook computer doesn’t appear to be a fascinating idea. Book offers no distraction The greatest disadvantage offered by the most commonly used technological devices- mobile phones, tablets, laptops to specifically students, is the vast degree of distraction. There is a higher probability for a student studying on a computer to get tempted to use social media websites, play video games etc. This many times leads to poor concentration and consequently hinders the acquisition of knowledge. There is no security of the sources where the student devotes his time while he sits with his/her computer. To make conditions worse it may also happen that he/she gets lured by some illegal sites and get addicted to them which can not only harm him/her academically but personally also. Book, on the other hand, is a source of wealth of knowledge on a particular subject that offers no diversion or distraction. Book does not offer any physical discomfort Book does not offer any physical discomfort or eye strain, while the same cannot be said while reading the contents of the computer. Long hours of stretching ourselves on the screen cause tremendous back pain and eye strain. The rays coming out of the screen are harmful and cause a severe headache. Many students who devote a long time on their computers posses a risk of losing the power of their eyesight and becoming dependent on spectacles. It is more tiring to sit and work on a computer than a book. Book does not offer the risk of data loss A computer is, after all, a machine. You never know when it may start to malfunction. A virus attack is enough to make your data corrupt and useless. Information that is available on the websites may have malware which can corrupt your data files easily. Information stored is dependent on many other factors and can be volatile if not saved properly. Book, on the other hand, is once again favorable. The contents offered are stored forever. Book coupled with handwritten notes helps you to imbibe and retain information for long. There is no fear of losing them. A good book is indeed your best friend which once on entering your life stays with you forever and ever. Conclusion Indeed the invention of Notebook Computers has been one of the biggest achievemnt of the Millenium yet they are not powerful enough to replace the book. Neither today nor will be in the near future because some things don’t deserve a replacement. The conviction and convenience offer by a book can never be possible through a notebook computer. Admittedly, Computers offers a taste of comfort and luxury but many a time there are precious jewels in the treasure of history which are invaluable- Book is one of those. It has been the emblem of knowledge from our ancestor’s time. A computer is, after all, a machine prone to mechanical problems, break down and the scope of its application is also limited. Rural areas where education plays a key role have still not been able to gain much knowledge from computers. Book offers simplicity. It is not just paper but a deep bond which passes down each generation. A book is a dream which you hold in your hands. It gives you the power to create your destiny. From the above discussions, we can conclude that no matter how enormous shape a notebook computer may take, a book will never lose it worth. Its essence will remain the same till the existence of humankind.