Content Consumption vs. Content Creation

by Brett Collingwood

One of the factors I use when discussing student use of technology in schools is how a given device is used for content consumption, content creation or a combination of both. Content consumption requires a hardware platform and software applications that are primarily used for receiving and viewing content. Content creation requires a hardware platform and software applications capable of producing content such as writing documents, creating rich visual and audio media, imbedding that media in other applications in order to produce a completed assignment.

I’ll freely admit that there are other types of technology that students use such as lecture recording devices, interactive whiteboards, student response systems, etc. My focus here is the primary device that a student uses to receive assignments, perform research, complete, and ultimately submit assignments. There are many types of devices that could be used for this purpose and many of these devices are hyped as being the “best” or “sole” device that should be used by students.

Let’s say there’s a web application that a student uses to receive assignments, review a teacher’s classroom notes, do some basic online research, and check grades. In this scenario, any device that allows the student to view a web page with rich media would meet this basic requirement. This is content consumption. After the student receives the assignment, work begins. The student may perform additional research using internet based resources or in other circumstances require a specific software application installed on the device such as a design or drawing program; feel free to pick any example you wish. At some point in time, the student must construct the assignment deliverable i.e. write a document, use a spreadsheet to analyze data, create a presentation, manipulate images, use a specific software application for a lab, etc. to complete the assignment. This is content creation.

For students to be productive they need a device or combination of devices that are capable of both content consumption and content creation. Many students carry cellphones, some of which have internet connectivity. Some cellphones have rich media capability such as browsing web pages and viewing video content. Most modern cellphones can be considered content consumption devices although they have inconsistent features between models. Unless students have identical devices with identical features, it is unlikely that cellphones could be used as content consumption devices in the classroom. This doesn’t even take into consideration students who don’t have cell phones.

Today, the best device that offers both content consumption and content creation features is the traditional PC. There are many form factors to choose from such as the desktop, laptop, handheld, and now tablet models. Mobility features of laptops, tablets, and handheld form factors work well with students. They can carry and use these devices anywhere such as school and home.

Another factor to consider, particularly when looking at mobile PC form factors, is the type and quantity of ports available for connecting external devices. Netbooks look attractive from a price standpoint but most of these models lack an external CD/DVD drive. Although many software applications can be installed over a network, lack of an external drive can cause difficulty for installing software and increase costs for purchasing additional hardware.

Another concern for tablet computers or even cellphones is whether an external keyboard and mouse can be connected to the device. In general, tablets make great content consumption devices but are uncomfortable or difficult to use for content creation. Typing on a virtual keyboard on top of the device’s flat screen can be difficult, particularly when writing or editing a document. Another connectivity concern is the need for external USB ports. For the foreseeable future, students and the general public will use printer and paper in some fashion which requires external USB ports. Exchanging files between computers is often accomplished using USB thumb drives too. Tablet computers are new to the education market and may lack many of the hardware features that are expected but often overlooked when a device’s proponent is enamored with a given platform.

In summary, when choosing computer technology for students, it’s important to consider both the content consumption and content creation capabilities of each device. Students should not be limited by devices that only excel in content consumption. Students are expected to produce schoolwork that demonstrates their knowledge of a given topic. Therefore, the device they use requires good content creation capability. The best device available today that has both rich content consumption and deep content creation capability is the traditional PC or laptop computer.