Pages Over Pixels: Why Print Still Matters in Education

Based on insights from Two Sides UK

In an age where tablets and laptops fill classrooms, one traditional tool remains quietly essential: print.

Despite the convenience of digital screens, research continues to show that reading from paper leads to deeper understanding, better focus, and stronger memory retention.

According to Two Sides UK, the evidence is clear — students learn more effectively when they read from printed materials rather than digital devices.

Print Enhances Focus and Understanding

A 2021 meta-analysis cited by Two Sides found that students who study from printed materials perform significantly better in comprehension tests — especially with long or complex texts.

Researchers from the University of Maryland discovered that readers on screens tend to skim, scroll, and overestimate their understanding. In contrast, print readers engage more thoughtfully, retain more information, and build a stronger connection with the content.

The tactile nature of print — turning pages, feeling texture, and seeing progress — also helps form a “mental map” of where information sits within a book or handout. This spatial awareness makes it easier to recall what’s been learned later on.

Less Distraction, More Learning

Digital screens invite distraction. Notifications, hyperlinks, and apps constantly compete for attention, making it difficult for students to stay focused.

As Two Sides highlights, print offers a quiet, distraction-free space — ideal for deep concentration. It also avoids the physical side effects of prolonged screen use, such as eye strain, headaches, and fatigue caused by blue light exposure.

Balancing Digital and Print for Smarter Learning

Technology has an important role in modern education. Digital tools bring speed, interactivity, and accessibility to the classroom. However, when it comes to deep comprehension, long-term focus, and meaningful learning, print still leads the way.

As Two Sides concludes, the most effective approach combines both — using digital for convenience, and print for focus and long-term learning.

A Page Ahead — OVOL’s Commitment to Smarter, Greener Learning

With responsibly sourced materials and continuous innovation, print remains both relevant and responsible. At OVOL Singapore, we believe in the lasting power of paper — not just as a medium for ideas, but as a foundation for education and creativity.

Reach out to our team today to explore our wide range of environmentally responsible printing materials and discover how print can make a lasting impact.

Learn more from the full study by Two Sides UK:

https://twosides.info/UK/pages-over-pixels-prints-lasting-impact-on-education/