RI to test "paperless classrooms"

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - One Rhode Island school will soon become the first in the state with paperless classrooms.

On Tuesday, a special legislative commission studying the use of electronic media in public schools announced that the Department of Education will initiate a pilot "paperless classroom" program in the 2013-2014 school year.

Essentially, traditional books, notebooks, and other documents would be replaced with laptops, e-readers, tablets, or similar portable electronics.  The objective is to cut down on the costs and obsolescence of printed textbooks, conserve natural resources, improve achievement, and make things physically easier on students.

All public and charter schools in Rhode Island will be invited to apply to become the model school for "paperless classrooms."  One school will be selected in March, and the pilot program will be initiated during the 2013-2014 school year.