4 Ways to Go Paperless
Tech Tip Tuesday (March 11, 2025)
Earth Day is soon; however, it's not as simple as recycling or avoiding paper!
Despite the rapid integration of digital technologies in education, paper remains a cornerstone of classroom instruction.
Contrary to assumptions about digital dominance, paper use in classrooms has increased over the past decade. A 2016 survey by the Paper and Packaging Board found that 82% of college students frequently use paper to study for exams, with K-12 teachers reporting that 64% of students engage more deeply with physical texts. By 2025, elementary and secondary schools in the U.S. collectively consume approximately 32 billion sheets of paper annually, costing nearly $1.6 billion. Teachers in grades 7–12 rely heavily on handwritten notes, flashcards, and worksheets, with 74% of students using paper-based tools for test preparation.
But, aren't you trying to convince me to use less paper?
Well, yes.
However, paper’s enduring role in education reflects deeply rooted cognitive and practical advantages, yet its environmental and financial costs demand innovative compromises. A balanced approach—leveraging digital tools for efficiency while preserving paper for core instructional activities—could be one way of handling it.
🗒️ 🙈 Take a look at 4 strategies of handling a potentially paperless classroom!
Kami is revolutionizing K-12 education by helping teachers transition to paperless classrooms. It integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom and Schoology, allowing educators to centralize resources and assignments digitally.
How?
Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time feedback and peer review tools facilitate group work and improve student engagement.
Cost Savings: Reduce paper costs by digitizing worksheets and assignments.
Sustainability: Contribute to environmental conservation by minimizing paper waste.
Accessibility: Offline mode ensures access for students without reliable internet.
Learning management systems (LMS) like Schoology, Google Classroom, or Canvas are hugely important to keep items easily accessible in a moment's notice and to not have to track down items that are shoved in the bottom of a locker.
Students can submit assignments online, and teachers can track progress and provide feedback digitally, all while reducing paper waste and enhancing accessibility.
Keeping a clean and tidy digital space is essential for boosting productivity, especially in a paperless classroom. Just like a well-organized desk, an uncluttered digital environment allows you to focus better, work more efficiently, and reduce stress.
For teachers, digital organization streamlines lesson planning, grading, and communication, saving valuable time and energy. By keeping files, folders, and tools neatly arranged, teachers can quickly access resources, share materials with students, and stay on top of tasks without the hassle of paper clutter.
Managing tech fatigue is essential for staying productive and balanced while on your paperless journey. Start by taking regular breaks, like following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to rest your eyes.
Set boundaries for you and students by scheduling “tech-free” times, such as during lunch & recess or during certain subjects.
What happened to Julius Caesar on the Ides of March?
Brian Krause, Instructional Technology Coach
Email: bkrause@ltcillinois.org
Booking Link: https://calendly.com/bkrauseltc
Work Cell Phone: (815) 362-4791
Twitter: @bmkeducation
