Schools today seem to rely on Chromebooks and other technologies, such as SMART Boards to use as teaching tools. While it can be helpful, using technology all the time is not always the best choice. Pencil and paper should still be used in schools because they help students focus better, learn more effectively and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Writing by hand helps students maintain information better. When students write things down with pencil and paper, they are more likely to understand what they are learning rather than just typing without thinking, making students pause and think about what they’re writing. 

Chromebooks can also be very distracting. Even when students are supposed to be working, it is easy to get off task by switching tabs or going on other websites. Pencils and paper do not have games or notifications, so students can stay focused on their work and finish it more easily.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March 2019, it became more convenient to give students Chromebooks, but since the switch, the Institute of Education Sciences found that technology had little to no impact on students’ education.  

A study found in an U.S Department of Education article found that it decreases the average student’s attention span. Students rely more on technology in school and outside of school, stating that it’s harder for most students to understand the outside world without technology. 

Using Chromebooks all day can also cause problems like eye strain and headaches. Using pencil and paper helps students with their writing, grammar and focus levels. One school, McPherson Middle School in Kansas, has decided to make the switch back to pencil and paper, hoping to promote deeper thinking, as it states on KSN-TV (Kansas State News). 

Although technology can be useful, it should not replace traditional learning tools. Pencil and paper help students focus better and help grammatical skills. Schools should make sure traditional paper and pencil learning is still an important part of education.