Why Technology Isn't Always the Answer

"Limitless paper in a paperless world" was the tagline Michael Scott developed for the ad he made for the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. That episode premiered in 2007, when we all thought the world would soon be paperless. Many processes and jobs have moved to mostly or fully virtual systems, and YET...

There's a reason why we do things on paper! It's clearer, personal preference, or allows you to manipulate things. You get the amazing feeling of crossing something off of a to do list. We teach students this in school, often requiring students take home an "agenda" or planner to get signed by a parent. But once we stop checking? Most students stop keeping a written planner.

College kids: KEEP A PLANNER! Let's dismantle each of the arguments against writing things down in a planner.

• "It costs too much" - No they don't! In addition, most of you spend more money a week on delivered food or alcohol, and spend upwards of $100,000 or $200,000 on an education, so spring for the thing that'll ensure you graduate in 4 years.
• "I remember everything" - You probably don't... Plus writing things on a piece of paper makes you feel better than having a bunch of things floating around in your head! It will help relieve stress. Also having and using a planner allows you to copy everything from each syllabus (tests, essay due dates, homework, readings, etc.) in advance so you can be sure that you'll never forget anything!
• "It takes too long" - Similar to the "it costs too much" argument, you probably already spend inordinate amounts of time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram or watching YouTube or Netflix videos. This takes you a MAXIMUM of one minute at the end of each class to update, and the benefits could be a semester's tuition or becoming more responsible.
• "I keep track on my phone" - If you actually do this, check it regularly, and keep it updated, AND it works for you, then by all means continue! However, most students use their notes once for a to do list and then forget it's there. Having a physical item that you get into the routine of checking every day IS WORTH IT!

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For High School Students:

Most schools still provide students with a planner or agenda at the beginning of the year. USE THEM! Writing down your homework, major due dates, upcoming events and meetings, etc. will help you be more productive and remember everything you have to do. It's a good habit to get into, and WAY better than your phone or computer.

Writing things down also makes it easier to make a plan and relieves anxiety. When you write something down it's a lot less overwhelming than it seems when it's all in your head!