I have been using print textbooks ever since I was seven. So when I was informed that I would only be getting online textbooks for US World History and Pre-Calculus this year, I was not happy.

These two subjects are both challenging courses that require us to depend on the textbook, which forces me to sit at a computer with Internet in order to do my homework.

For math, I have to look at the screen, put the problem on loose leaf paper, do it, then start another problem.

History is even more difficult because I have to type my homework, which means I have to keep clicking back and forth between Microsoft Word and the Internet.

Some people believe this technological alteration is a step towards the future. They see the benefits of increased accessibility from all types of technology (such as cell phones and tablets). It seems that the kids at Langley are very technologically advanced, but that does not mean we need online textbooks.

While some people may see online textbooks as more accessible than print books, I disagree. I have tried to access both of my online textbooks from my phone and iPad and it hasn’t worked. You need to have certain software on your tablet/phone that allows you to access the actual text.

I play field hockey and lacrosse for Langley, and I often have games that run to nine P.M., which is why I often bring schoolwork and textbooks to do when I have time to kill before and after the games.

With the online textbook I would have to bring my laptop, which could get damaged during the school day or on the bus to away games.

Other people say you can print out the pages to complete the homework. Do they know how much ink costs? (I’ll give you a hint: a lot).

One black ink cartridge costs upwards of twenty-five dollars. I also have a brother who uses online textbooks, which means my family would go through ink cartridges twice as fast.

My generation spends enough time watching TV, going on Facebook and Twitter and playing on their phones or tablets.

I spend enough time looking at screens during school and in my free time, but now I will be forced to look at a screen for at least seven more hours per week.

Online textbooks may be more technologically advanced, and usually I’m all for the next best and fastest thing, but not when it comes to my schoolwork. I don’t like to study, but given the choice, I’d much sooner pore over a print textbook than squint over one online.