I got rid of typed papers and bought my students notebooks instead
In an era dominated by technology, the classroom has often become a battleground for attention. Ayşe Baltacıoğlu-Brammer, an assistant professor of history and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at New York University, decided to take a bold step to enhance engagement and trust in her classroom. After years of implementing a no-tech policy, she introduced $1 notebooks for her students, encouraging them to write by hand instead of submitting typed papers online.
The Shift to Handwritten Assessments
Ayşe’s journey began six years ago when she noticed that the presence of laptops and tablets in her classroom was distracting her students. Notifications and messages often pulled them away from the lesson, leading to disengagement. To combat this, she enforced a no-tech policy, allowing laptops only for students with accommodations. The results were promising; students reported feeling more engaged without the distractions of technology.
Building Trust in the Classroom
As artificial intelligence (AI) began to permeate academic environments, Ayşe noticed a growing trust problem between her and her students. Concerns about whether students were using AI to complete their assignments led her to seek a solution that would restore that trust. Inspired by a colleague who provided notebooks to students, Ayşe decided to implement a similar approach.
By having students write by hand, she aimed to eliminate the suspicion surrounding AI-generated work. Even if a few students used AI to generate answers, the act of writing them down by hand would still require them to engage with the material more deeply.
The Impact of Notebooks
Since introducing the notebooks, Ayşe has observed a significant change in her classroom dynamics. The handwritten assignments have revealed students’ thought processes, complete with crossed-out words and attempts to improve their writing. While some misspellings and challenging handwriting have posed a challenge, the majority of submissions have been enjoyable and insightful.
Although the switch to notebooks has added approximately two hours to Ayşe’s workweek, she finds the experience more rewarding. Students have even taken the initiative to decorate their notebooks, sparking creativity and engagement. The positive response has encouraged other educators to consider similar approaches, despite concerns about class size and handwriting legibility.
Addressing the Reality of AI in Education
Ayşe acknowledges that AI has transformed the landscape of education, making cheating more accessible. However, she emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into the learning process rather than allowing it to replace critical thinking and writing skills. As a non-native English speaker, she understands the challenges students face in writing and sees AI as a potential tool for improvement, rather than a crutch.
In her classes, Ayşe assigns primary sources for analysis, encouraging students to engage with historical documents directly. She believes that while AI can assist in editing and refining work, it should not be used to generate essays on behalf of students. The essence of education lies in the learning process, which includes the practice of writing by hand.
Conclusion
Ayşe Baltacıoğlu-Brammer’s innovative approach to education highlights the importance of trust, engagement, and the value of traditional writing methods in a technology-driven world. By prioritizing handwritten assessments, she has fostered a more authentic learning environment that encourages students to think critically and express themselves creatively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ayşe eliminated typed papers to build trust with her students and reduce concerns about AI-generated work. She believed that handwritten assignments would encourage deeper engagement with the material.
Ayşe has noticed increased student engagement, more authentic responses, and a creative atmosphere in the classroom, with students decorating their notebooks and enjoying the writing process.
Ayşe acknowledges AI’s impact on education but emphasizes that it should enhance learning rather than replace critical thinking. She believes in using AI as a tool for improvement while maintaining the importance of traditional writing skills.
Note: The approach taken by Ayşe Baltacıoğlu-Brammer serves as an inspiring example of how educators can adapt to the challenges posed by technology while fostering a more engaging and trustworthy learning environment.
