Why Both Technology and Pencil-and-Paper Still Belong in the Classroom
By Shylo Garrett, 5th Grade Educator, Cassia County School District, Idaho
In today’s classrooms, technology is everywhere—from interactive whiteboards and Chromebooks to educational apps and virtual learning platforms. Digital tools have transformed education in powerful ways, giving students access to engaging content and helping teachers differentiate instruction.
But, as we lean into these innovations, many educators—myself included—have found ourselves asking an important question: How do we strike the right balance between digital learning and traditional pencil-and-paper work?
The answer, I believe, isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s embracing the strengths of both.
The Benefits of Going Digital
There’s no denying that technology opens up possibilities in the classroom. With digital tools, I can assign interactive activities and provide immediate feedback. Students can access resources anytime, collaborate on shared documents, and even explore content through videos, simulations, and virtual field trips.
Digital platforms also help students build skills like typing and navigating online resources, which are essential for future academic and career success.
Why Pencil and Paper Still Matter
There’s something valuable about putting pencil to paper. Writing by hand helps students slow down and process information more thoughtfully. It supports fine motor development, improves memory retention, and strengthens the brain’s connection to what’s being learned.
In my own classroom, I’ve noticed that students tend to be more focused and reflective during handwritten activities. Whether it’s journaling, solving math problems, or annotating a text. Paper-based tasks offer a quiet experience that fosters deeper engagement.
Lila
5th GradeTeaching Students to Navigate Both Worlds
Part of preparing students for the future is helping them become confident using technology. But it’s equally important to teach them when and why traditional methods are just as important. When students understand the value of both digital and paper-based learning, they’re more likely to use each tool throughout their lives.
Try Blending Traditional and Digital
1. Handwritten Reading Evidence + Digital Reflections
Traditional Tool: Students keep paper-based reading reflections to track books they have read.
Digital Tool: At the end of each week, they record a video reflection summarizing what they read and learned, or use a student-friendly AI tool to generate a summary from their notes.
This supports metacognition and builds oral fluency, especially for reluctant readers.
2. Anchor Text Annotation + Immersive Reader
Traditional Tool: Students annotate printed anchor texts using highlighters and sticky notes during guided reading.
Digital Tool: They then use Microsoft’s Immersive Reader to hear the text read aloud and check comprehension, especially helpful for students with dyslexia or transcription challenges.
This dual approach reinforces decoding and comprehension.
3. Small Group Planning on Paper + Digital Collaboration
Traditional Tool: During small-group planning sessions, teachers sketch lesson ideas and book pairings on chart paper.
Digital Tool: These plans are then digitized in a tool like Canva where students can collaborate asynchronously.
This promotes active engagement and promotes visual themes.
4. Paper-Based Vocabulary Maps + PowerPoint Presentations
Traditional Tool: Students create vocabulary maps by hand using words from classroom library texts.
Digital Tool: They build PowerPoint slides to present definitions, visuals, and usage examples to peers 1.
This blends tactile learning with digital presentation skills.
5. Journaling + Audio Reflection
Traditional Tool: Students write in a physical journal about a topic or experience.
Digital Tool: Then, they record a voice memo or podcast-style reflection using Flip, Vocaroo, or Teams.
This encourages metacognition and builds oral communication skills.
6. Paper Surveys + Digital Data Analysis
Traditional Tool: Students design and distribute paper surveys to peers or community members.
Digital Tool: Students input the results into Excel or Forms to create charts, graphs, and insights.
This blends tactile data collection with digital analysis.
It’s Not Either/Or—It’s Both/And
Technology is a powerful asset in modern education, but it doesn’t replace the timeless value of pencil and paper. As educators, our job is to find the right balance—one that supports learning, builds skills and is best for individual students.
Shylo Garrett, 5th Grade Educator, Cassia County School District
9 years in Education, Interdisciplinary Studies K-8, Western Governors University