In a digital age that has saturated classrooms with one-to-one aspirations to highlight technology, laptops, tablets, and smartboards have become the norm. Carrying all of the promise of efficiency and engagement, this focus on highlighting technology has brought about an increasingly noticeable downside—students struggling with concentration, retention, and deep thinking. With growing concerns over distractions, I challenge aLloyd educators to reconsider an old-school approach, and Bring Back the Paper.
The Digital Distraction Dilemma
While technology offers instant access to information and interactive learning experiences, it also presents an overwhelming number of distractions. Studies have shown that students multitasking on devices retain less information and struggle with deep comprehension. Social media, notifications, and the temptation to switch between tabs make it difficult to maintain sustained focus.
Dr. Larry Rosen, a psychologist and author of The Distracted Mind, explains, “Each time a student checks their phone or switches tabs, their brain has to refocus, leading to what’s known as ‘attention residue.’ This makes deep learning incredibly difficult” (Rosen 78).
Beyond distractions, prolonged screen exposure has been linked to increased eye strain, mental fatigue, and reduced handwriting skills. According to a study by the American Optometric Association, “students who use screens for prolonged periods report higher levels of eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating compared to those who primarily use paper” (AOA 3).
The Cognitive Benefits of Paper
Research suggests that writing by hand enhances memory, comprehension, and critical thinking. The physical act of writing engages different areas of the brain than typing, leading to stronger connections and better information retention.
A study published in Psychological Science found that “students who took handwritten notes retained more information and performed better on conceptual questions than those who typed, as the process of handwriting encourages deeper cognitive processing” (Mueller and Oppenheimer 1160).
Similarly, reading from paper rather than screens has been linked to deeper comprehension. According to Scientific American, “students who read print materials tend to absorb and retain more details, as the physicality of books and papers provides spatial context that aids memory” (Jabr 49). The tactile experience of turning pages, coupled with the absence of screen glare and scrolling, allows for a more immersive reading experience.
How Teachers Can Reintroduce Paper in the Classroom
1. Handwritten Notes Over Typed Notes
Encourage students to take notes by hand rather than typing on laptops. Provide guided note-taking structures, such as Cornell notes or mind maps, to help students organize their thoughts effectively.
As educational researcher Daniel Oppenheimer states, “Typing allows students to transcribe information verbatim without engaging in meaningful processing. Handwriting, on the other hand, forces students to summarize and synthesize, leading to better long-term retention” (Mueller and Oppenheimer 1161).
2. Print Reading Materials Instead of Digital Texts
Whenever possible, opt for printed articles, books, or worksheets instead of digital PDFs. Not only does this improve comprehension, but it also reduces eye strain and allows students to annotate directly on the page.
A study from The Journal of Experimental Psychology found that “students who read printed texts scored significantly higher in comprehension tests than those who read on screens, particularly when the reading required inferencing and deeper understanding” (Mangen et al. 68).
3. Paper-Based Assessments
Consider administering quizzes and exams on paper instead of through digital platforms. This can reduce the temptation to search for answers online and promote independent critical thinking.
Dr. Patricia Alexander, an educational psychologist, argues, “When students take tests on paper, they are less likely to engage in superficial skimming and more likely to carefully process the information presented, leading to more accurate assessments of their knowledge” (Alexander 122).
4. Journaling and Reflection Exercises
Encourage students to keep paper journals for reflection, brainstorming, and creative writing. The slower pace of handwriting allows for deeper thought processing and self-expression.
According to Dr. Virginia Berninger, “Handwriting activates unique neural circuits in the brain that are not engaged during typing, fostering creativity, memory, and cognitive development” (Berninger 45).
5. Paper-Based Planning and Organization
Instead of relying solely on digital calendars and apps, introduce students to physical planners or bullet journals. Writing down assignments and schedules by hand can improve time management and accountability.
A study from The British Journal of Psychology found that “students who physically wrote their plans and schedules were more likely to follow through with tasks compared to those who used digital planners” (Bui et al. 230).
6. Encouraging Mindfulness Through Paper Activities
Interactive notebooks, sketching, and paper-based brainstorming sessions can help students disconnect from screens and engage in hands-on learning. Activities like drawing diagrams or using index cards for study techniques promote focus and creativity.
Dr. Maryanne Wolf, a reading and cognitive scientist, explains, “Our brains are not wired for digital reading. Paper-based activities encourage deeper focus, better engagement, and stronger comprehension” (Wolf 88).
Striking a Balance
This isn't about eliminating technology altogether. Digital tools have undeniable benefits, especially for research, collaboration, and accessibility. However, a balanced approach—where paper and digital resources complement each other—can help restore focus and reduce the cognitive overload students face in a screen-saturated world.
By bringing back paper in meaningful ways, teachers can create a learning environment that fosters deeper thinking, stronger retention, and fewer distractions. In an age where attention spans are shrinking, a simple shift back to traditional methods might be the key to unlocking greater student success.
Works Cited
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Alexander, Patricia A. The Nature of Reading and Learning in a Digital Age. Routledge, 2019.
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American Optometric Association. “Digital Eye Strain: Effects on Learning.” Optometry & Vision Science, vol. 95, no. 3, 2020, pp. 1-7.
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Berninger, Virginia. Writing Development and Instruction: Research-Based Best Practices. Oxford University Press, 2015.
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Bui, Dung C., Joel Myerson, and Sandra Hale. "Handwritten Notes Improve Memory Recall More Than Digital Notes." The British Journal of Psychology, vol. 109, no. 2, 2018, pp. 225-240.
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Jabr, Ferris. “The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens.” Scientific American, 2013, pp. 46-53.
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Mangen, Anne, et al. “Reading Linear Texts on Paper versus Computer Screen: Effects on Reading Comprehension.” The Journal of Experimental Psychology, vol. 69, no. 1, 2013, pp. 61-77.
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Mueller, Pam A., and Daniel M. Oppenheimer. “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking.” Psychological Science, vol. 25, no. 6, 2014, pp. 1159–1168.
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Rosen, Larry D. The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World. MIT Press, 2016.
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Wolf, Maryanne. Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World. HarperCollins, 2018.