With the rise of technology, schools have increasingly incorporated digital tools into education.
Chromebooks and iPads are commonly used in primary grades, with laptops being the preferred method in secondary schools.
While digital learning offers accessibility and convenience, the problem teachers encounter with students using digital devices in the classroom is the significant distraction they create.
Students often shift their attention from educational content to social media, texting, or gaming, which disrupts focus and engagement. Studies have shown that even the presence of a smartphone can interfere with concentration, and it can take up to 20 minutes to refocus after a digital interruption.
Furthermore, some students report using devices out of boredom, which contributes to further disengagement from classroom activities.
Another issue is the overreliance on technology for learning. While digital devices provide quick access to information and collaborative tools, they can also reduce the depth of understanding and hinder students’ ability to engage meaningfully with material. Some educators note that students perform worse academically in classrooms that permit unrestricted use of laptops, as multitasking reduces cognitive processing.
This reliance on devices, coupled with distractibility, can have a detrimental effect on students’ learning and getting good grades.
If we look at education, pre digital age, we know that pen-and-paper methods for learning still remain vital for cognitive development.
Research comparing the two approaches reveals nuanced differences in their effects on comprehension, memory, and engagement.
Studies suggest that handwriting on paper engages the brain differently from typing or digital input. Handwriting requires more active memory recall since students must generate letters or concepts from memory rather than selecting from a keyboard. This process fosters deeper learning and better retention. Neuroscientific studies using EEG have shown that tasks written on paper activate different neural patterns, often associated with higher cognitive processing, compared to digital tools like tablets or laptops (TES, 2023; Hechinger Report, 2024).
Reading and learning from screens may lead to increased cognitive load and mind-wandering. In experiments with children, those reading from paper demonstrated better concentration than those using screens. This aligns with findings that paper-based reading encourages more focused and linear thinking, while screen-based activities often promote fragmented attention due to hyperlinks and multitasking possibilities (Hechinger Report, 2024).
Pencil-and-paper learning is often more adaptable to individual student needs. Teachers or teaching assistants using offline methods can tailor their instruction in real-time, whereas digital programs tend to follow structured routines. The quality of interaction between teachers and students plays a crucial role in both learning environments, but human interaction remains essential for fostering sustained engagement (TES, 2023).
A study involving both digital and pen-and-paper literacy programs found that students using traditional methods achieved slightly better outcomes, particularly in developing writing and reading comprehension skills. However, both mediums proved beneficial, with the best results achieved when digital tools were used to supplement, rather than replace, traditional teaching practices (TES, 2023; Frontiers, 2024).
While digital learning tools offer advantages like accessibility and interactivity, pen-and-paper methods continue to play a critical role in fostering deeper cognitive engagement and memory recall. An optimal approach involves blending both methods, using technology to enhance but not entirely replace traditional learning practices. As schools navigate this transition, balancing innovation with proven educational practices will be essential for student success.
Some teachers and schools are recognizing the need to integrate technology more thoughtfully, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the educational experience by promoting active learning, collaboration, and focus in class settings (Edutopia, Harvard University, NBC Philadelphia).
For more information on the effects of digital learning, you can read a Studies Weekly report.
And have a listen to Nicki Reisburg’s podcast, Scrolling2Death – School Devices: have we Gone too Far with founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, Chris McKenna
This episode takes a deeper dive into what is transpiring in the classroom and outlines some of the pressures parents can apply to school boards to create meaningful change for their child’s learning.
https://www.scrolling2death.com/post/devices-at-school-have-we-gone-too-far-with-chris-mckenna