As technology continues integrate into the learning experience, there has been an increase in the amount of schools using electronics such as computers for test taking, assignments and more. Schools have the choice between using paper or digital materials, and it’s a tough call, as both have their pros and cons. It’s difficult to determine which method ensures the most academic success, or if schools would be better off using a mix of both.

Pros of Paper:

Writing with a pencil on paper is a form of writing that has been used for centuries, but recently it has become a dying art. Using paper in schools has several advantages for students, one of them being that it aids in focus. According to Studies Weekly, students can retain information better when it is read from physical texts or written by hand. 

Too much exposure to screens has proven to lower attention spans, especially now that users of apps such as Instagram or Tiktok have the ability to watch endless short form videos. With everything is online, using paper is a nice change as it gives users a break from technology.

Writing by hand also reduces the risk of cheating in academic settings. The increased use of ChatGPT in schools raises some concerns in terms of academic dishonesty. However, if more paper is used in schools, then the chance of ChatGPT being used to plagiarize work is significantly reduced. 

Another deficit to digital learning is that it can get expensive. If schools rely heavily on computers, the costs can add up if there is a large number of students. If schools cannot pay for their computers, they may need the students to pay for them, which can be difficult for some families to afford. It could also be an issue if some families don’t have access to a stable internet connection or electricity. This can prevent students from getting work done and completing assignments.

In classroom settings, over-using computers and technology that offer endless ways to get distracted and roped into the many games, videos and other activities that the internet has to offer could result in less focus in class and cause students to have a difficult time comprehending material.

Pros of Digital Learning:

Using computers and other forms of technology in schools can offer a wide range of resources and opportunities for students. With the internet, students can access many different tools for research, studying and other uses. Students can collaborate with their peers through shared documents for projects, making it easier to connect if they have busy schedules. 

Digital learning also makes it easier for teachers and students to communicate when issues arise. Teachers can quickly grade students’ work in a matter of minutes rather than having to write each correction by hand for hundreds of students. There are many platforms such as Google Classroom and Canvas, that allow teachers to easily give feedback to students that they can access from their own homes. These same platforms, in addition to communication as email, allow students to quickly ask questions or respond to feedback

Additionally, using technology can help to engage students and make learning more interactive. There are hundreds of websites and resources for students and teachers to use to add interesting components to their learning. This allows teachers to cater to different student’s learning styles and motivate them to participation.

While the pros of paper seem compelling, it does come with its disadvantages. Considering that the internet was created as a tool for creativity and research, it seems like a waste not to take advantage of the wide range of resources that were designed to advance learning. Using paper can also be difficult for teachers, as it’s hard to keep track of them. Papers can easily get lost or damaged, which can be frustrating for teachers when grading assignments or tests. 

Additionally, the environmental impact of primarily using paper is necessary to consider. Deforestation is already an issue, and if schools rely too heavily on paper, it could have significant effects on the environment.

Finally, only using paper might not properly prepare students for the real world, where technology is utilized in many careers. 

Conclusion:

Both of these learning strategies offer benefits and disadvantages. Using too much of either one could result in issues with learning, or problems among students and teachers. Schools would most likely benefit the best from an integrated approach between both digital and non-digital learning styles. While the future increasingly embraces technology, learning the old-fashioned way with paper and pencil should still be utilized. With both of these methods used in schools, students and teachers can leverage the advantages each and integrate them into the most successful and effective learning experience.