There are countless apps, devices, and programs available. But how effective are they in the learning process? Here we look at 10 benefits of paper vs digital planners:
1. Immediate and Tactile
Although obvious, paper planners are tactile. And, there are many advantages to having a tactile planner. Schools can insert:
- Important handbook information
- Reference material
- Contact information
- Bell schedules
- Pages for parents
- Note taking sections
- Academic calendars
- Hall passes
Customized, print school planners function as the single source for all necessary information for students and parents/guardians.
From cover to cover, students and parents can immediately access what they’re looking for. This means no aimlessly searching the school website or flipping between tabs.
2. Use as a Quick Reference Tool
Paper planners are readily available. Lightweight and compact, printed student planners are easy to carry around, fasten into binders, and transport in backpacks.
Students can quickly reference all of the important information they need and create their own notes or urgent reminders directly in line. All of this can be done without having to use their phone or handheld device ﹘ preventing them from breaking potential school policies.
3. 24/7 Access to Information
Unlike digital planners, paper planners won’t die on students. Notes, important dates and deadlines, reference information, school policies, and parent-teacher communication is available all the time.
Students can easily carry planners with them for reference on the commute to and from school, in class, and at home.
4. Increase Learner Retention
Handwritten notes help increase learner retention across grade levels. Taking the time to write by hand forces students to process and condense material to keep up with the lecture. Students who handwrite notes are better able to recall and retain new information learned in class.
What’s more, handwriting wakes up the brain. MRIs prove that writing by hand activates language areas of the brain that are not engaged with typing.
5. Develop Writing Skills
Printed student planners give students ample opportunity to develop and enhance their writing skills. Spelling, writing, and grammar can all be practiced ﹘ even on the go. Room for spelling lists, notes, and writing prompts can be created for weekly or even daily practice.
Paper planners are an excellent way for younger students to practice handwriting. Studies suggest a link between handwriting and broader educational development.
In fact, scientific research shows that when children first begin to write by hand:
- Read more quickly
- Remain better able to generate ideas
- Retain information more easily
6. Practice Note Taking and Organization Skills
Putting pen to paper forces students to use their space (and time) wisely. Depending on the content or lecture style, students can adapt their note taking strategies to optimize class time.
Note taking provides a structure for students to organize and engage with the material. It also provides students with an opportunity to experiment with note taking styles and to create abbreviation systems for use across their academic career.
7. Create a Record of Past Materials
Unlike apps and digital planners, you can’t just delete notes, reminders, or notes from a paper planner. As a result, printed school planners become a historical document. Students and parents can easily flip back to previous entries. With digital planners, students may spend substantial time scrolling for information.
Having a physical record of past materials serves multiple purposes:
- Rewards students on the progress of academic activities
- Records past achievements
- Holds students accountable
- Recognizes areas of improvement
- Logs parent-teacher conferences and meetings
Additionally, any notes or references are instantly accessible for students studying or preparing for a project.
8. Deepen Parent-Teacher Communication
Many educators opt to create space in planners for parent-teacher communication. Communication can be established with daily behavioral assessments or room for teachers to send home information for parents to sign off on.
Likewise, paper planners further family engagement. Functioning as a two-way communication system, parents or guardians can write to teachers about areas they wish to see their child improve or any concerns they hold.
9. Eliminate Barriers
A classroom should function as an inclusive space for all students. Yet, sometimes going digital defeats this purpose.
It’s important to be cognizant of socioeconomic backgrounds. Does every student in your school have the proper resources when switching to a digital or online planner? Some students may not have access to at-home wifi or digital devices.
Lack of accessibility is a major barrier ﹘ even in the classroom. Unlike pencil and paper, there are numerous limitations with digital devices:
- Over usage of data on smartphones
- Limited internet access at school or home
- Poor wifi speed
- Unreliable wifi access
- Low battery life
- App crashes
- App bugs or glitches
10. Prevent Digital Distraction, Fatigue
Burnout and digital fatigue are a real and present issue. Digital Eye Strain affects 70% of Americans. Its cause is by focusing your eyes on digital screens, causing the eye muscles and corneas to flex for hours each day. Printouts and paper are a welcome relief from the glare of the digital screen.
The mere presence of a digital screen in a classroom becomes an immediate distraction. Research from Princeton University and the University of California, Los Angeles prove that the mere presence of a visible screen can affect student comprehension. Participants in the study scored 17 percent lower on comprehension than those who had no distracting view.
The rabbit hole of digital often leads to false confidence in the ability to multitask. The Hechinger Report’s findings show that students are growing in their confidence to multitask, and are doing so more frequently. However, multitasking is a myth and is a cause of lowering academic grades.
Digital vs. Paper Planners: Pros and Cons
When it comes to staying organized and productive, students have a choice between digital school planners and traditional paper planners. Both options offer unique advantages, and the best choice often depends on personal preferences and specific needs. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Is using a digital school planner worth it?
1. Consider the Need for Reliable Internet Access
Digital school planners are accessible from anywhere, as long as you have your device. This means you can check your schedule, update tasks, and set reminders on the go, making it a convenient option for busy students. However, if network reliability is a concern, especially for students who learn remotely, digital planners may not be the best
2. Customization and Flexibility
Digital planners offer a high level of customization. You can easily change the layout, colors, and even add multimedia elements like links, images, and files. This flexibility allows you to tailor the planner to your specific needs and preferences.
Custom Print Planners
If your school prefers the tangible nature of custom printed planners, the good news is that even printed planners offer customization options. With custom planners tailored to student and staff needs, you can take advantage of tools that allow students to track their unique bell schedules, keep up with homework assignments, stay motivated to meet project deadlines, be aware of exam dates, and keep parents informed and engaged with teacher/parent communication tools.
Why Some Students Still Prefer Traditional Paper Planners
1. Tangibility and Ease of Use
Many students appreciate the tangibility of traditional paper planners. Writing things down by hand can enhance memory retention and make planning more intuitive. Paper planners don’t require charging or syncing, making them a straightforward option.
2. Reduced Screen Time
Using a paper planner helps reduce screen time, which can be beneficial for your eyes and overall well-being. For students who spend a lot of time on digital devices, a paper planner provides a much-needed break from screens.
READ MORE: Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development
3. Creativity and Personalization
Paper planners offer a canvas for creativity. You can use different pens, stickers, and highlighters to personalize your planner. This creative process can be both enjoyable and therapeutic, adding a personal touch to your organization efforts.
4. No Technical Issues
With a paper planner, you never have to worry about technical issues like battery life, software glitches, or data loss. It’s always available and reliable, providing peace of mind for students who prefer simplicity.
5. Customization Options
Custom printed planners offer numerous advantages for students, teachers, and schools, enhancing organization, productivity, and school spirit. Using a custom printed planner can help instill good organizational habits in students from an early age.
Regular use of planners encourages students to plan ahead, set goals, and prioritize tasks. These skills are not only essential for academic success but also for personal and professional development later in life. Here are some key benefits of using custom printed planners in educational settings:
- Personalized Organization: Custom printed planners can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your school and students. With sections dedicated to homework, project deadlines, extracurricular activities, and notes, these planners help students stay organized and manage their time effectively. Personalized layouts ensure that all relevant information is easily accessible, making it easier for students to keep track of their responsibilities.
- Consistency and Uniformity: Providing all students with custom printed planners ensures consistency across the school. This uniformity helps teachers coordinate assignments and deadlines, knowing that all students have the same tools at their disposal. It also facilitates better communication between teachers and students regarding upcoming tests, events, and important dates.
- Effective Communication Tool: Custom printed planners can serve as an effective communication tool between teachers, students, and parents. Planners can include sections for parent-teacher notes, progress reports, and reminders for parent meetings or school events. This feature ensures that parents are kept in the loop regarding their child’s academic progress and school activities.
- Supports Academic Success: With dedicated spaces for tracking assignments, test dates, and study schedules, custom planners help students stay on top of their academic workload. By providing a clear overview of their tasks and deadlines, planners reduce the likelihood of missed assignments and last-minute cramming, promoting better academic performance.
Custom planners often include goal-setting sections, allowing students to set short-term and long-term academic and personal goals. Writing down and regularly reviewing these goals helps students stay motivated and focused, providing a sense of direction and purpose throughout the school year.
Environmentally Friendly School Planner Options
Many custom planner providers offer environmentally friendly printing options, such as recycled paper and eco-friendly inks. Schools can choose these sustainable options to reduce their environmental footprint while still providing valuable organizational tools to students.
Custom School Planners for Brand Awareness
Custom school planners for teachers or students can also be designed with the school’s logo, colors, and mascot, fostering a sense of school pride and identity. This visual representation of school spirit can motivate students to engage more with their school community and take pride in their work and achievements.
Finding the Right School Planner App for Your Needs
When choosing a school planner app, start by identifying your specific needs. Do you need a simple task manager, or are you looking for a comprehensive planner that integrates with other productivity tools for students and which can even serve as a compliment to custom school planners? Understanding your requirements will help narrow down your options.
When it comes to finding the right school planner app, look for features that match your planning style. Popular features include calendar views, to-do lists, reminders, and customization options. Some apps also offer collaboration tools, which can be beneficial for group projects.
Check out reviews and recommendations from other students. Learning about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of different apps. Pay attention to feedback on usability, reliability, and customer support.
Request a Free Sample or Quote Today
Both digital and paper planners have their unique benefits, and the right choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Whether you opt for the high-tech convenience of a digital school planner or the tangible simplicity of a traditional paper planner, the goal is to find a system that helps you stay organized and productive throughout the school year.
Interested in a custom quote or sample kit for custom school planners? Request yours today to get started with a plan that keeps your students and staff motivated, focused, and on track to meet academic and professional goals.
Printed school planners are an excellent resource to increase student and family engagement, provide easy access to student resource information, and reinforce school policies. Paper planners can help your students break through today’s digital noise.