Recently, teachers on FinLit Fanatics weighed in on the question of whether they distribute paper or digital copies of materials in the Student Activity Packets. Lots of good reasons for both choices surfaced in the discussion. Read what other educators recommend and get ideas for what works best for you.

The Case for Print

• I use paper because my students have expressed their desire to not be on computers so much. 
• I like to make them into stations or self-paced activities for students to use like notes. 
• Some activities are best on paper.
• I use paper in the classroom and we work through the packets together. I have the PDF open so I can open the links on the projector.
• I print them and modify them.

The Case for Digital

• Definitely digital (I add to Google Classroom) so they can click all the links needed throughout the lesson.
• I do them digitally, so absent students can keep up with what they are missing.
• I use Nearpod and provide the links to the packet in Google Classroom. 
• I use digital because of the links.
• It’s too much paper to print. I tried it for a bit, but then started putting them all in Google Classroom and it worked much better. I was then able to edit out sections, add, etc as needed and any kids who were missing could access them handily.

Why not use both? 

• I mix and match. I think it gets repetitive to do all of one or the other.
• I mix it up ….screen breaks are good sometimes.
• I do both. Many students prefer paper but it’s easier for me if it’s digital. 
• Both - paper for class, digital for reference. And I pull suitable digital activities out for homework.
• I split the activity packet into pieces and do them a variety of ways. Some things I project and we talk about it only. Some things are on Google Glassroom for them to do. Videos I do live on Edpuzzle so we’re watching at the same time and they’re answering individually as we go. Some things I do on paper and then often they work with partners.

View the full comment thread here when you join the FinLit Fanatics Facebook group. 

Additionally, we don’t recommend using the Student Activity Packets every time as students will quickly (and understandably) get bored. Here are some tips on how to mix it up. 

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.