TLDR

Ever long for the idyllic days when reading meant flipping a page in a book instead of swiping a page on a screen? Nostalgia aside, new research shows that paper-based learning materials might be better than digital versions for learning, retaining information, and sparking creativity.

With the advent of the digital age, students and consumers are increasingly reading and learning information through electronic sources. There’s no doubt there are benefits to adopting screens for reading, writing, and learning—with countless trees and bottles of whiteout saved in the process. But have you ever scanned a news article or book on your computer and had trouble remembering what you read? If so, you are not alone. Researchers are beginning to parse out the impact of digital vs. paper learning, and so far, most of the science is in paper’s corner—a technology we’ve had for thousands of years.

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • The Benefits of Paper-Based Learning
  • Paper as a Tool for Cognitive Development
  • Paper’s Role in Literacy Acquisition
  • Sustainability and Paper Choices

The Benefits of Paper-Based Learning

While digital tools can do things that analog simply can’t (like bringing an entire library with you to the beach on your Kindle), scientific research on digital vs. paper learning is starting to suggest that if you really want to learn—paper is still king. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that learners performed worse on a multiple-choice test after reading a digital article compared to a paper one. While the underlying reasons for this are still hypothetical, researchers think it is easier for people to make “mental maps” of information gleaned from books.

But it’s not just reading that matters. A landmark 2014 study also showed that students who take lecture notes by hand in class do better on factual and abstract questions when tested later. Another study found that students who didn’t use tablets even developed better fine motor skills—suggesting that writing by hand is helpful for much more than honing literacy.

One other benefit of paper might seem obvious to anyone who has felt distracted by digital devices (and who hasn’t?). Modern devices connect us to a nearly infinite amount of content just a click away—distracting us from important tasks with pages, posts, and games that are often designed to be addictive.  With paper, the content itself is the only stimulus vying for attention.  Ask any modern teacher about rows of students glued to smartphones and Chromebooks during lectures, and you’ll understand how we’ve yet to solve one of the biggest educational technology challenges of our time. Though student learning preferences may side with digital at times, there’s no doubt that paper-based learning helps eliminate a massive source of distractions.

Paper as a Tool for Cognitive Development

Paper isn’t just a medium; in fact, it can be viewed as a tool for cognitive development.  According to research, handwriting activates much more activity in the brain's motor circuits than typing or other methods of expressing language. Writing increases activity in memory circuits, too, helping students form deeper memories and making them easier to recall in the future. The decline of handwriting instruction (and particularly cursive) has been one of the biggest themes of the traditional vs. modern learning debate. But based on early findings, there appear to be legitimate benefits to writing by hand beyond merely preserving traditions.

Of course, it’s easy to focus on concrete applications like performance on standardized tests in the digital vs. paper learning debate, but the creative aspect is just as critical. Writing by hand seems to unlock deeper connections and spark more creative ideas, and researchers think that might have something to do with how the neurons involved in writing light up the same pathways as the ones used for emotions. So the next time you’re sitting down to brainstorm a big idea or solve a tricky problem, consider putting your laptop aside and picking up a pen and paper. 

Paper's Role in Literacy Acquisition

Obviously, digital technology and electronic education tools have their place, creating more equity and access to information for any learner with an internet connection. However, paper still has its place in teaching children to read and write. Research has found that handwriting, but not typing, activates reading circuits in young brains. Handwriting also recruits motor neurons in conjunction with all the typical language centers used for typing. Especially for children, scientists think that the slower process of writing out letters and words (as opposed to typing) gives learners brains more time to process and learn as they write. 

Sustainability and Paper Choices

Despite how amazing using paper seems to be for brain development, creativity, and memory retention, paper does have some potential drawbacks—particularly regarding environmental challenges. Luckily, as recycling and sustainability have increased in the public consciousness, there’s never been a better time to use paper responsibly. Countless brands now offer post-consumer recycled paper, and nearly all paper products are now recyclable. Chlorine-free bleaching and soy-based inks can minimize environmental impact even further, and they’re surprisingly easy to find now. 

Even with all their benefits, using only paper sources for every application is impractical. Bringing a 1,000-page chemistry textbook with you everywhere is tricky, but you can read it as a PDF on your phone, computer, or tablet wherever you go. For people with disabilities, accessibility functions on modern devices have revolutionized access to information—and can do things impossible with paper. At the end of the day, there will be pros and cons to paper and electronic education tools, and the key is to embrace whichever is best for the task at hand.

Choosing Paper Made Materials for Learning

Teachers, instructional designers, office workers, and anyone relying on using text to convey information would be wise to leverage the power of paper. As more and more research shows the importance of keeping paper around for learning, creativity, and retaining what we read, it’s key to embrace solutions for creating paper-based documents. The current market for printing solutions has affordable options for everything from wire or spiral-bound notebooks to the high-end look of thermal or perfect-bound textbooks. If you’re ready to see what analog can do for you, check out our amazing selection of paper cutters, laminators, binding machines, and finishing equipment to bring your paper-based ideas to life.

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