More focus, sensory interaction, creative thinking, also a break from digital burnout. As a student that wants to improve your study routines or an educator which is always on the look out for that next great idea to put into the classroom, these ten classic tools can help you to learn better and more meaningfully in today’s fast paced world.
1. Chalkboards
Chalkboards are a mainstay of educational settings which still is true in the age of smartboards and digital whiteboards. What we get from chalk is an engagement of the senses which digital screens do not. The physical action of writing with chalk, the sound of it on the board, the play of color against slate all of which in turn improve memory and comprehension. Chalkboards also play a great role in collaborative problem solving students put up solutions, erase what isn’t working, and draw out ideas as they form.Also teachers are able to change things up in the moment and students can come up to the board and be part of the lesson thus making learning a more hands on and shared experience.
2. Abacus
The abacus as one of the oldest calculating tools is still very much in use in some parts of the world and for good reason. What we do with the beads of an abacus develops strong number sense, place value, and arithmetic. Also we put in the work which pays off in terms of improving neural pathways and what it does for mental math, a benefit which calculators or apps do not always provide. Also reported is that students which use the abacus report better performance in mental calculation and problem solving than their peers. Also the abacus does a great job at fostering patience, focus, and logic skills which play into all areas of study.
3.Analog Clocks and Watches
A spatial and visual grasp of time. With analog clocks what you do is to see where the hands are at, to picture the passage of time in terms of minutes and hours, and to put events in order. This ability helps students in which they structure their day, which tasks they take up, and which breaks they take. Also using analog clocks does in fact make the abstract idea of time more concrete as the hands move so the time passes before your eyes, which in turn urges you to stay on your game. Through this practice students’ which of which they connect to timelines and daily routines is grown; a skill that is very much a part of doing well in school and in life.
4. Physical Notebooks and Journals
In the age of digital note taking which is very convenient we still see great value in the practice of writing out notes in a journal or notebook. What we put to paper sets off a chemical reaction in the brain that typing does not. It brings to life different areas of the brain, improves memory, and puts you in a reflective state.Also the action of turning the pages in a physical book and going back through your old notes is a real accomplishment that also gives you a great sense of continuity. Also you are free of digital distraction in a notebook which in turn helps you to better focus on your material. For many the pure joy of a well used notebook is what keeps them coming back to it again and again.
5. Slide Rules which also did Calculations.
Before the advent of calculators which happened very recently in history, slide rules were the go-to tools for engineers, scientists and students. We learned to use slide rules which in turn taught us estimation, proportional reasoning, and the base principles of logarithms and multiplication. Though you may not break out a slide rule daily, what you do is practice which in turn improves your base math skills and sharpens your problem solving abilities. Slide rules had you think about the relationships between numbers instead of just inputting values and getting out an answer. That hands-on approach to doing math in your head, if you will, got you engaged with the concepts in a different way which in turn built your confidence in taking on complex problems.
6. Typewriters
Typewriters require focus, accuracy, and intention; we don't have the option of backspace or auto correct. What you put down while typing out an essay or note has to be thought through beforehand. They also help you to slow down, think before you write, and to not get distracted. The mechanical sound and feel of the keys as they hit the page brings a different element of engagement to the act of writing. Also typewriters have a quality of permanence which each keystroke adds to, which in turn promotes more thought out and deliberate writing. For students that struggle with putting off writing or from digital distraction, going back to the typewriter can be a great way to get back into the practice of writing and to improve communication skills.
7. Overhead Projectors
While out of date in comparison to digital projectors and smartboards, overhead projectors have special features to present ideas and to encourage interaction. We see that teachers and students can very easily draw out diagrams, point out key issues and put transparencies on top of each other to display the connections between topics. Also the ease of use of overhead projectors which puts tech issues to the side is what fuels creativity and collaboration. Students present their work to the class, get instant response, and get into group problem solving. The hands-on element of writing on transparencies and moving them around the projector screen which in turn plays a role in reinforcing spatial skills and visual learning.
8. Vinyl and Cassettes
Listening to music or language lessons from vinyl or cassette is of a different character than that of streaming playlists or digital files. With analog audio formats you can’t jump in and out or be interrupted by an array of options. This slow, more attentive approach to audio is to improve concentration, auditory processing, and what you get out of the content whether that is a classic novel, a history lecture, or your favorite study playlist. Also physical media encourage you to sit through full albums or courses which in turn fosters a greater understanding of structure and context. For language students cassettes are a chance to practice listening and pronunciation at a controlled speed, and to rewind and play again as much as you like.
9. Catalog Card Systems and Physical Encyclopedias
Before the advent of the internet students used card catalogs and encyclopedias for research. We did these tasks which in turn improved our research skills, critical thinking and information literacy elements which are still very much relevant today. We had to slow down, evaluate sources, and put together information as we used physical resources instead of just going over search results. That which we did in the card catalog and encyclopedia days required patience and care, which in turn is what academic success is built on. Also we were exposed to chance discoveries that led us to related topics and facts we may have otherwise missed out on in the digital space. In the use of what some may see as old school research tools we in fact developed better research practices which in the end made us better and more discriminating learners in the digital age.
10. Duplicating machines which included Mimeograph and Photocopiers
Mimeograph and early photocopier machines transformed how teachers and students exchanged worksheets, handouts, and study guides. Although digital documents are a great asset, making and using physical copies which you print out enables students to mark up materials and in turn have a more interactive experience which is more tactile. In the creation and distribution of paper based resources we see the growth of a sense of ownership and of collaboration in group projects. Marking up print outs may in fact improve comprehension and retention, the action of which in turn is a reinforcement of the learning. Also at the time of using and putting together paper based resources we see that students are at the same time organizing their materials and developing good study skills.
Combining the old with the new for best results
In certain best environments we see the value in both classic and contemporary technologies. Use analog clocks for your time management which then note in a digital planner. For better memory retention do live out note taking which then after scanning and putting in a cloud based app. Go to a history lecture which was given on tape, then discuss it in a virtual study group. By combining the past and present tech solutions you are able to create a custom learning environment which plays to your strengths and also keeps you engaged.
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With its independent research projects and mentors’ tailored guidance to each student, RISE Research allows for your work to lead to recognized publications, and to an academic profile that is conference-ready. There are flexible program dates and opportunities for ambitious students to apply all year, and family can travel anywhere in the world. If you want to learn more, to determine eligibility, costs and how to get involved, be sure to visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college prep experience to the next level!
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