Tablets can hold back struggling readers
Experiment · Strength: Preliminary to moderateWhat the research found
In a study of 182 upper elementary students in Spain, ages 10 to 13, students were randomly assigned to read science texts on paper or on a tablet. Among weaker readers working under time pressure, those on tablets understood less than those on paper. Stronger readers did about the same on both. Tablets did not make students more distracted.
How strong is this?
A single, well-controlled experiment. The effect showed up in one group of students, not the whole class.
What it doesn't tell us
It's one study, in one country, with two short texts, measured right after reading. Across all students there was no overall difference.
What it means for our district
The students most likely to fall behind on screens may be the ones who can least afford it. Paper-first reading is an equity issue.
Source
Salmerón, Delgado, Vargas, and Gil (2021), Learning and Individual Differences. doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2021.101975
Assistive technology, AAC devices, and accommodations under IEPs and 504 plans are essential tools and are outside the scope of this advocacy.