Do we really need paper and pencil?

I must admit that I used to be apprehensive to the idea of too much technology. I avoided online courses because I thought that it would just be a textbook in PowerPoint format, requiring me to spend hours in front of the computer and then regurgitate the information by answering a series of chapter tests. I must say that I have been pleasantly surprised to find that online courses are very interactive and due to the amount of technology available it still gives you the ability to have discussions and get input from your professor. After this epiphany, I now ask why do we need paper and pencil? If technology can allow me to electronically deliver assignments that call for understanding the greater concepts as well as demonstrating creativity, then why are we so apprehensive in the actual classroom where the teacher is physically available to demonstrate and monitor the activities? I know that we are used to printing tons of copies and like to give handouts for the students to keep but if they have the technology they can organize and store the documents without killing any trees.

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The Paperless School of the Future is Here Now!