South African classrooms need both digital tools and printed materials to ensure successful learning.

Access to technology is becoming increasingly important in building South Africa’s classrooms of the future and improving learning outcomes. This is according to a study by Epson that polled teachers and parents across seven markets. Respondents highlighted the need for learning environments that are more innovative, engaging, immersive and interactive.

Digital tools, such as tablets and projectors, are seen as important for enhancing teaching and collaboration. However, printed materials continue to play a critical role in supporting deeper reading and comprehension.

finding the right balance

Achieving the right balance between digital tools and printed materials is essential in modern classrooms. While technology helps bring lessons to life through interactivity and visual learning, printed resources remain important for improving focus, supporting deeper comprehension and reducing screen fatigue. The goal is not to replace one format with another, but to use each where it adds the most value to the learning experience.

In South Africa, where access to technology can differ significantly between schools and communities, some teachers are well equipped with digital resources. Others still face challenges linked to connectivity, infrastructure, electricity supply and affordability.

Addressing these gaps requires collaboration between educators, government and technology providers to ensure more learners have access to quality educational tools.

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a blended learning model

In practice, this means adopting a blended learning model: screens and digital tools to visualise complex concepts and encourage collaboration, print for sustained reading, revision and independent learning.

When used together intentionally, these tools can create more inclusive and engaging learning environments that support different learning styles and student wellbeing.

study findings

Epson conducted the study to understand sentiment among teachers and parents regarding the effectiveness of different learning approaches in educational institutions.

Research results:

• 76% of respondents view digital platforms as an integral part of modern classrooms. However, many teachers and parents believe in the continued importance of printed resources, with more than half agreeing that printed learning materials provide a more focused and reliable learning experience.
• 73% consider projectors to be essential classroom technology.
• 67% say projectors enrich the learning process,
• 63% believe projectors make content more memorable.
• 61% say projectors help boost student engagement.
• 60% claim the biggest benefit of projector use is sparking creativity and imagination.
• Almost half the respondents say printed materials support better information retention, noting the value of printed resources for easier note-taking and annotation.
• With 69% saying students experience screen fatigue from laptops and tablets at least some of the time, it is unsurprising that 59% claim printed materials are easier on the eyes.

working together to meet educational needs

No single learning method can fully meet the diverse needs of learners on its own. What matters most is creating classrooms where students remain engaged, creativity is encouraged, and digital and printed tools work together effectively. When used purposefully, digital tools and printed materials can help create learning environments where students develop ideas, solve problems and build the skills needed for the future.

empowering educators

Suat Özsoy of Epson comments: “At Epson, we are helping shape the future of classrooms by empowering students and educators with innovative tools. Our latest survey highlights the growing demand for a blended approach to teaching by combining digital solutions with the proven benefits of print.”