"This is a paperless classroom." These were among the first words spoken to our IMS-201 class. Today's world has not only come to rely on technology for daily functioning, but it is also a world that has gone mobile. Rarely do you see students taking hand written notes, writing on post-it notes, and using pen and paper to make the grocery list. More and more we see laptops for taking notes, smartphones replace tangible agendas and calenders, kindles instead of paperback novels, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. In many ways, these technological advances are an incredible benefit to society. I would guess that majority of Americans believe new organizational methods made possible via technology surpass those of the past. In addition, being part of a "paperless classroom" further highlights how dependent 2012 society is on technology. With this being said, I thought it would be insightful to offer a differing viewpoint on the situation. The author of this article still believes in the power of pen and paper. I must agree. Although he acknowledges that paper versus virtual methods is a matter of preference, he pinpoints some statistics that highlight scenarios where using paper is more ideal. According to the author, "Although digital technology is better for socializing and sharing, paper is better for quiet contemplation." For example, a 1997 study showed that comprehension is way better when text is read on paper rather than online.Ultimately however, there are indeed benefits to each method. One must simply find which works best for their personality. Personally, I'm lost without my tangible post-its and am honestly struggling with the whole "paperless classroom idea." With anything in life however, one must adapt to the ages or at least be knowledgeable and capable. However, pen and paper will always hold a place in my life.
