By AVA ALBICOCCO and REMI WEBB
Over the past few years, there has been a drastic increase in the use of electronic devices among students and faculty throughout the Jericho School District. Since there are both pros and cons to completing work digitally versus on paper, most teachers are allowing students to decide their method of completing work.
In 2018, the JerEcho published an article ‘Paperless Progression’ discussing a student-led paperless movement that encouraged the use of electronic devices rather than using paper for organizational and environmental reasons. The article was written prior to COVID-19, before going paperless was the only feasible option.
According to Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Mr. Victor Manual paper usage decreased substantially over the past 18 months due to remote students last year. “I think the district overall, even pre COVID-19, was leaning towards going more and more paperless,” he said.
Numerous reasons exist for the increase in working digitally including students’ concern for the environment, improved organization, convenience and teachers not giving paper copies. Sophomore Dylan B., who completes all of his work digitally, said, “Being digital allows me to keep all of my work in one place. I never forget to bring my work to class.”
A.P. Environmental Science teacher and advisor of the Environmental Club Mrs. Bhasin is passionate about the paperless movement and encourages her students to be digital. She said, “Being digital allows you to be more organized, and be able to search for your documents more easily.”
According to a JerEcho survey, 6% of respondents choose to use only paper for a variety of reasons such as it allows them to focus better, stay organized, limit their screen time and help them understand the material better.
Social Studies teacher Ms. Flockhart supports these students’ choices. She said, “The process of writing on paper will actually help students learn the material.”
Social Studies teacher Mr. Demetres prefers paper. He said, “Seeing students write on paper shows us as teachers that they are processing the information being taught.”
Some students and teachers choose to use both paper and online worksheets depending on the circumstance. About a quarter of respondents said their classes vary on whether they are permitted to be digital or are required to use paper. This might be because of limited online options in certain classes.
After the return from hybrid learning during the pandemic, both students and teachers have the ability to choose whether to work on paper or digitally. It remains to be seen whether paper or digital will be the dominant method.