In today’s fast-paced digital world, research shows paper still matters. Screens have quickly become a go-to medium for readers looking to consume everything from news to novels, but evidence gathered in a new study suggests paper may still matter in terms of reading comprehension however. When it comes to truly understanding and retaining what we read, the science suggests paper still holds a distinct advantage—especially for students.
The recent study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has shown readers of all ages consistently retain information better when engaging with paper sources, such as books and printed materials, compared to e-readers or digital devices.
With a rise in digital technology and an ever-increasing need for schools to balance traditional and technological learning techniques and tools, what does this mean for students, educators, and the power of paper?
1. Paper Reduces Distractions and Cognitive Overload
The digital world is rife with interruptions. Reading on a device often means battling pop-up notifications, app alerts, and the constant temptation to check social media or answer emails. These distractions, even if brief, disrupt the brain’s ability to focus and process information effectively.
A Harvard Business Review study also highlighted just how often we interrupt ourselves when using digital devices. The average American toggles between apps and websites a staggering 1,200 times daily, with each switch taking over two seconds. These micro-interruptions may seem trivial, but their cumulative effect can significantly harm our productivity and ability to focus on a single task—like reading and comprehending text.
2. Tangibility and Spatial Awareness Matter
Paper books and printed materials offer a tactile experience that screens cannot replicate. The weight of a book, the ability to physically turn pages, and the spatial awareness of where information is located (e.g., remembering that a key idea was on the bottom left corner of a page) create mental “anchors” that enhance memory. This sensory engagement helps readers better understand and retain what they’re reading.
3. The Power of Annotations
Pen-and-paper annotations are another critical advantage of paper-based reading. Highlighting text, jotting down notes in the margins, or underlining key points are active learning strategies that deepen comprehension. While e-readers offer digital tools for marking up text, they often feel less intuitive and lack the same cognitive impact as writing by hand.
What does this mean for education?
For students, these findings are a reminder that paper-based learning tools—like custom school planners—offer more than just convenience. They provide cognitive benefits that can support focus, memory, and comprehension. By encouraging students to use physical planners, schools can help them develop time management skills in a format that minimizes distractions and enhances learning.
“In terms of bridging the gap between tradition and technology, particularly in the education sector, schools and educators need to find unique ways to ensure that students are prepared for the world they will soon enter as adults,” said Jessa Lyons, head of a Virginia-based private school. “Today’s world is fueled by digital devices, and there is a need for familiarity with them, but science continually indicates that students learn better and retain information better with tangible paper products.”
Custom School Planners Can Help
While digital tools have their place, particularly for research and collaboration, they should complement—not replace—paper-based methods. A thoughtfully designed custom school planner can strike the perfect balance, blending the structure of paper with optional integrations for digital support. As educators, parents, and schools, embracing the strengths of paper can make a profound difference in students’ academic success.
If you’re interested in receiving a custom quote for school planners, reach out to us today to find out how we can collaborate to create a school planner with the resources, guides, parent/teacher communication routines, and more that your community needs to help young students thrive.