U of T Law Goes Analog: Pen and Paper Reign Supreme

This September, some classrooms within the University of Toronto's law program will see a return to handwritten note-taking, as faculty aim to enhance critical engagement with course material. Associate Dean Richard Stacey noted that many colleagues are concerned about how technology, including laptops and advanced AI tools, impedes students' ability to think deeply about legal concepts.

Faculty believe that the near-verbatim note-taking often associated with laptops limits higher-order analytical thinking. While handwriting is slower, it encourages students to process information in real time and critically select what to record, fostering a more robust understanding of the law. This initiative is not a blanket ban on technology, but rather a framework for instructors who opt for "laptop-free classrooms."

Each classroom adopting this approach will provide alternative records such as AI-generated notes, typed notes from designated students, or class slides with speaker notes. These provisions aim to reduce pressure on students, allowing them to focus on active participation and critical thinking. Students registered with accessibility services are advised to consult their advisors for accommodations.