THE BOOK AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL: TRANSFORMATION AND EVOLUTION IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Author: Apostolos Karaoulas

ABSTRACT

The continuous advancement of artificial intelligence and augmented reality has introduced new dynamics into the field of education, influencing both learning processes and educational practices. The book, as a traditional medium of learning, finds itself at the center of this transformation. Although the comprehension of digital technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence pose the challenge of the book’s potential displacement, the relationship is more complex. Contemporary educational approaches suggest that the book is not being replaced but rather transformed into a component of the learning experience.

An examination of the changing role of the book reveals that, while artificial intelligence enables the creation of more personalized and adaptive learning experiences, the book remains a crucial tool for developing critical thinking and the ability to evaluate information. Despite the increasing availability of technological support, the book does not lose its relevance but instead assumes a different role in the educational process, enhancing learners’ capacity to interact with knowledge in a more targeted and individualized manner.

Research indicates that the integration of digital tools does not displace the printed book; rather, it positions both within a dynamic collaboration, where the need for different media depends on the demands of the learning process. Physical interaction with a book offers value that digital media cannot fully replicate, such as enhanced concentration and deeper comprehension of content.

A qualitative analysis of the literature and contemporary trends in educational technology reveals a tendency toward coexistence and collaboration between printed and digital books, aiming to create an educational framework that leverages the potential of both media. In the future, the book remains a vital learning tool, embedded within a broader educational system that combines traditional and modern means, allowing for a more holistic learning experience.

Keywords: Digital book, printed book, critical thinking, artificial intelligence, digital and print media, educational technology

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