Opinion: In the Age of AI, the future of education is paper and ink

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As artificial intelligence reshapes education and the workplace, some argue that traditional skills like handwriting, spelling, and structured writing are becoming obsolete. This assumption is dangerously misguided. In reality, writing — especially by hand — is more important than ever.

AI cheating and the return of blue books

Colleges across the country are reinstating blue books — those dreaded stapled exam booklets — to combat AI-assisted cheating. This isn’t nostalgia; it’s a necessity. Without them, professors cannot ensure that students can write and think independently. The truth is many students now struggle to do both without a keyboard.

There’s no spellcheck in a blue book, no autocomplete, and no AI-generated phrasing. Students must be able to spell correctly, write legibly, and structure their thoughts coherently — all under pressure. Yet, many K-12 schools have deprioritized these fundamental skills assuming they’re no longer relevant in a digital economy. This approach sets students up for failure.

Writing by hand: A cognitive superpower

Research has consistently shown that writing by hand improves learning and memory (Wiley and Rapp, 2021). While it’s not completely understood why, one study showed that when students physically form letters and words, they engage more extensive neural pathways than when they type (Van der Weel and Van der Meer, 2023). Yet, many schools have moved away from emphasizing handwriting and spelling, assuming that digital tools will compensate. This is a mistake. Writing isn’t just communication — it’s cognitive training that strengthens mental connections, enhances retention, and fosters deeper comprehension.

We also know that excessive screen time is damaging to students’ eyes and attention spans. While the impact of attention spans is fairly well-known, it’s less common knowledge that staring at screens for long periods contributes to myopia (nearsightedness) in children and teenagers. Writing by hand provides an essential break from screens, giving students’ eyes much-needed relief while reinforcing critical thinking.

The literacy imperative: Why writing is part of the solution

In Massachusetts, approximately a third of students are unable to read at grade level. In an effort to increase literacy rates, the emphasis has rightly been placed on reading instruction, but writing must not be overlooked because spelling and writing directly support reading proficiency. If a child can spell a word, they can read it. Writing also makes learning active rather than passive, helping students internalize language more effectively — especially young boys, who often struggle with traditional reading instruction.

Additionally, the process of creating a well-structured essay teaches students logical structure, clarity, and argumentation, reinforcing reasoning skills that are essential for tackling complex topics in any field. By integrating writing into literacy instruction, we can create a more holistic approach to education — one that strengthens both reading and cognitive development.

The class divide: Who gets left behind?

Perhaps the most alarming consequence of neglecting writing education is its impact on educational equity. As AI forces a return to traditional assessment methods, students from well-resourced families — whose parents emphasize handwriting, spelling, and structured writing at home  — will adapt more easily. Students who rely solely on the school system will be left behind. 

This is not a distant concern. Despite its top academic rankings, Massachusetts has seen the sharpest increase in the achievement gap between low- and high-income students since the pandemic. The failure to reinforce basic writing and thinking skills risks deepening this divide. Those who learn to write and think independently will thrive in AI-proof assessments. Those who don’t will struggle, reinforcing systemic inequalities.

Preparing for the college of the future

The irony of AI’s rise is that it is pushing education back toward traditional methods. The return of blue books and handwritten assessments suggests that the college of the future may look a lot like the college of the past. Students will need to demonstrate their knowledge in real-time, without relying on AI-generated responses.

Parents, educators, and school committees must recognize the urgency of this issue — the shift in colleges is happening right now. We can’t afford to wait for reform to come down from the state level. The loss of MCAS as a graduation requirement perhaps provides an opportunity to act without waiting for direction from the state government. 

As we mount a response to AI in education, let’s ensure that our children are equipped not just to navigate the digital world, but to think, reason, and write with clarity — and with a pen.

Elise Rapoza is a New Bedford resident.

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