Save a Tree

"Computers will save time!" 

"Computers will save money!" 

"Computers will save trees!"

My classroom has been paperless since around 1998 when...

shared network drives made it possible to view student documents

student email accounts made it possible to transfer documents easily

partnering with Google Apps made it possible to work in the cloud collaboratively

curriculum software permitted performance on the computer, not paper

use of Moodle, a learning management system, as a platform

Has my role as a teacher changed with a paperless classroom?  Certainly!  Instructions for assignments or activities are posted on websites or learning management systems.  Content is delivered through modeling and video tutorials. Software applications allow creative expression from students, eliminating the need for poster board, markers, tape, and scissors.  More instruction time is devoted toward assisting students with folder and file management, traversing network drive paths, and file naming protocols.

Has learning changed in a paperless class?  Certainly!  Student-created content online is permanent in nature, creating a sense of importance and ownership.  Students take advantage of 24/7 availability of assignments, quizzes, audio and video resources, and collaborative platforms.  Family trips or absences are no longer road-blocks to learning because content, resources, due dates, and even the class itself is online and accessible from any Internet connection.

How is learning measured online?  Quizzes are created online and graded automatically.  Typing tests are taken online, immediately providing gross and net words a minute measures.   Essay responses, discussion forums, chats, wikis, blog posts, or any other writing is assessed using rubric criteria that measures critical thinking skills, and teacher feedback is privately given to students through learning management systems and grade book systems online.

The learning network has changed.  The paperless classroom network is connected through an online journey, wading through issues with technical skills and competencies.  The paperless classroom is not a relationship based solely on curriculum content.  Dependence on equipment requires an increased teacher-student relationship as skills using hardware and software are taught, shared, and mastered.  

• Moving tasks online necessitates instruction using the keyboard and mouse - touch typing speed and accuracy, keyboard commands, right clicking, scrolling, control-scroll, shift and control selections, marquee selections, escape and alt commands, function keys, etc.  
• Moving tasks online has required overcoming technical issues with network connectivity and access from outside of the classroom.
• Moving tasks online requires training on windows operating systems, windows and desktop management, window and tab browsing online, hyper-linking and site bookmarking, user id and password support, browser extension and plugin, software help assistance.
• Moving tasks online documents all activities with time stamps, removing late excuses from students.
• The dog can't eat homework that's online...

My classroom has saved time, money, and trees!