As the world continues to shift towards the expanded use of technology, the education system should capitalize on its popularity and features.

   A major benefit of digital assignments is simplicity. When assignments can be accessed digitally, everything you need is held inside one computer. “I would say the convenience of digital assignments is a big factor. One device holds all the resources you may need, unlike on paper, where you need a pencil, something solid to write on, and maybe even a textbook,” said Junior Anthony Bazalaki. Digital assignments also promote learning and growth thanks to their simplicity. On paper, you have to cross off or start over to make revisions or changes, while online, there are features to go back and edit in seconds.

   Digital assignments can also help students who struggle with organization. “I don’t like having to keep track of a bunch of different papers; it just increases the possibility of losing or ripping an important paper. Online, I know my assignments will be there and there is no risk of losing them,” said Bazalaki. If assignments are completed digitally, it allows all students, regardless of their organizational skills, to complete their work without the worry of losing paper.

   Students and teachers alike live incredibly busy lives, which is yet another reason that digital assignments are superior. When working digitally, everything is efficiently streamlined in a matter of seconds, as opposed to on paper, when assignments can only be turned in during the school day. According to Grand Canyon University’s Education Program, “Among the benefits of technology in the classroom for teachers is automation. You can upload lessons for students to access on their own time, and online assessments make grading easy. Teachers are always looking for ways to find more time in the day, and technology can assist by automating certain tasks” (gcu.edu).

   Working digitally is not only time-efficient, but also cost-efficient. According to Record Nations, a document management company, “For a school that uses 2,000 sheets per day and 320,000 in a year, they can expect to pay roughly $100 per day and $16,000 per year” (recordnations.com). UC High may spend even more than this estimate as a school of over 1500 students, which is almost double the national average. Additionally, this estimate only accounts for 160 school days, while UC High has 180 school days per year. Reducing the paper usage at UC High could save thousands of dollars each school year, which could be reallocated to improve other aspects of the school.

   While some critics say that digital learning can welcome the use of Artificial Intelligence and that pen and paper prevents cheating, educational institutions should not escape the reality of technology. Instead of fighting against the advancements of our time, schools should capitalize on the resources that have become available and guide students on how to use them.

    Transitioning to a more digital learning experience also has benefits outside of high school. Many students, no matter what field they pursue work in, will be expected to and required to be comfortable working with online tools. According to the BBC, “In the modern workplace, there is a greater expectation for employees to nimbly adapt whatever technology comes with their job as well as adapt to ever-changing tools and approaches” (bbc.com). Acquiring technological skills and challenging oneself with something new is something that high schoolers should be exposed to in preparation for the reality of the workplace.