Within our school, some teachers utilize technology, some utilize paper, but the mass majority utilize both.
The topic of iPad vs. paper is a very fluctuating and debatable as there is evidence to support both sides, but most individuals fall in between as a blending of both can be ideal for the classroom.
Across the United States, 90% of schools utilize Apple iPads in their K-12 classrooms, Saucon Valley being one of them, while 98% of schools utilize any form of technology for learning enhancement (iPads, computers, etc.). In addition, for the U.S. as a whole, schools use 32 billion sheets of paper per year, meaning that about $1.6 billion is spent on paper annually.
When asked about the progressiveness of the technology here at Saucon, sophomore Alex Morawski said, “I would say they are progressive as they are pushing out the use of external materials, leaving only one resource that’s needed for learning, who’s only limitation is a good charge, which, with classrooms, can be charged really anywhere.”
On the other hand, some believe that paper has its benefits and contrasts those who value the technological counterpart. In an LA Times article, it said, “… L.A. Unified School District has spent at least $400 million for the devices. In other words, the district would have to buy nearly 520,000 iPads before getting lower prices.” This statistical evidence shows the abundant cost of iPads, especially when purchasing technology for a whole school. To further add on, in a Paris Corporation article, it states, “It has been shown that writing by hand on a piece of paper is better for learning by being one of the most effective ways to study and retain information. Along with reading on paper, it also prevents students from being distracted and keeps them focused on the task at hand.” While paper can be seen as a better form of learning, the stance is truly up to the individual.
Similar to Morawski, junior Payton Kichline when asked about her stance on the iPads and technology in the building said, “I do think an iPad is progressive, but it’s pushing school into a technological world that most people can’t focus on, or fully participate in. iPads also bring a lot of technical errors, malfunctions, Wi-Fi connection issues, and battery depletion issues that wouldn’t happen with paper. Paper helps to continue learning regardless of possible factors that may limit iPad users.”
Overall, the many perspectives on iPads vs. paper keep this debate alive as many people are caught in a middle ground, with a slight bias to one side. The real question that should be asked in response to this discussion is, “What’s your stance?”
Information and sources used in this article:
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“The Benefits of Paper vs. Digital Learning.” Paris Corporation, © 2023 Paris Corporation, pariscorp.com/paper-learning-benefits/#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20shown%20that,on%20the%20task%20at%20hand. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
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Blume, Howard. “School iPads to cost nearly $100 more each, revised budget shows.” Los Angeles Times, © 2023, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2013, www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-oct-22-la-me-ipads-cost-20131022-story.html?scrlybrkr=e3adbc9c. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
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Chang, Richard. “Report: iPad, Mac Use Growing in K–12.” The Journal, 7 Mar. 2017, thejournal.com/articles/2017/03/07/report-ipad-mac-use-growing-in-k12.aspx#:~:text=Ninety%20percent%20of%20K–12,adoption%20over%20the%20previous%20year. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
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McHugh, Ryan. “How Much Paper Schools Use & How Much It Costs Them.” Record Nations, 14 Jan. 2020, www.recordnations.com/blog/how-much-paper-schools-use-how-much-costs/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
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POLICY INFORMATION CENTER Educational Testing Service. “Computers and Classrooms The Status of Technology in U.S. Schools.” Educational Testing Service, www.ets.org/Media/Research/pdf/PICCOMPCLSS.pdf. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
