Print in K12: How are schools using print?
While in some ways, K-12 schools’ printer use hasn’t changed much over the years, blended classrooms are creating new roles for these devices. This change means that school systems need to adjust their printer policies to benefit teachers, administrators, students, and parents—as well as the school districts’ budgets.
Teachers use printers in the classroom to produce coursework handouts or homework assignments. School administrators and other personnel continue to create documents such as grade transcripts, visitor ID badges, and promotional posters for fundraising drives. And students use hard copies of research materials in school libraries for term papers or for studying at home.
Paper remains relevant as a learning tool, too. Considerable academic research suggests that exposure to print materials is crucial for cognitive development and memory retention. A printed worksheet provides a fixed focus point to keep a student’s attention. Children (and adults!) often are distracted by web links and smartphone apps. And some work needs to be done on paper, such as class assignments where students draw diagrams or perform math calculations.