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

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 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.

The Pearson Foundation works across the educational spectrum and seeks to better understand the student experience and what helps them to excel. The Foundation has conducted several surveys including: the Pearson Foundation Community College Student Survey and the Pearson Foundation Early Childhood Education Perception Poll.

The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Pearson Foundation between March 8-31, 2011, among 1,214 college students and 200 college-bound high school seniors. Qualified college students were US residents between the ages of 18 and 30 who were enrolled in a two-year college, four-year college or university, or graduate school. Qualified college-bound high school seniors were US residents age 17 or 18, enrolled as seniors in high school and intending on enrolling in a two-year or four-year college upon graduation. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. The Pearson Foundation will make the full methodology including weighting variables, cross tabulations, and the underlying SPSS data file available upon request.

About the Pearson Foundation

The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's (NYSE: PSO) commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at http://www.pearsonfoundation.org.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us—and our clients—stay ahead of what's next. For more information, visit http://www.harrisinteractive.com.

For more information:
Pearson Foundation: Stacey Finkel
(703) 304-1377
Stacey(dot)finkel(at)pearsonfoundation(dot)org

Pearson: Susan Aspey
(800) 745-8489
Susan(dot)aspey(at)pearson(dot)com

SOURCE Pearson Foundation