Key School Supplies for Enhancing Student Learning Outcomes

Key School Supplies for Enhancing Student Learning Outcomes

By Lars Guo

Published: March 12, 2025

Opening Message

Hi Folks! Have you ever thought about what your ideal school supplies would be if you could go back to school? In this blog, I’ll share the school essentials I wish I had during my school years. While I used a tablet in high school, I also grew up in a learning environment with minimal technology—using Alphasmarts, computer lab laptops, and other tools from a transitional tech era. Because I’ve experienced both traditional and digital learning tools, I have a well-rounded perspective on what works best in a school setting. Some of my preferences are based on practicality, while others are purely personal. Of course, everyone has different learning styles, and what works for me may not work for you—that’s perfectly fine! Additionally, some of the items I mention weren’t even available when I was in school, but I still think they would have been ideal. With that said, let’s dive into my dream school supplies!

1. Laptop

A dedicated laptop with a physical mouse—either wired or wireless—is my top choice. Unlike tablets, which are often associated with entertainment and gaming, a laptop is designed primarily for productivity. It also eliminates the need for a separate Bluetooth keyboard, and it supports a broader range of software for school projects. While tablets have their advantages, I believe a laptop is better suited for academic tasks. However, I would avoid touchscreen laptops since my past experiences with them were frustrating—mine seemed to have a mind of its own!

For a more detailed comparison between laptops and tablets, check out my thoughts here:🔗 Laptop vs. Tablet

2. A Dedicated Physical Camera

A standalone camera is a great addition to a student’s toolkit. Unlike smartphone cameras, which come with notifications and distractions, a dedicated camera allows for better focus when capturing photos or videos. It doesn’t have to be an expensive or high-end model—just something that lets you document projects without the temptation of social media or messaging apps. While tablet cameras can be convenient for selfies and easy setup, the distraction-free nature of a physical camera gives it the edge for me.

For my in-depth thoughts on cameras, check out this post:🔗 Cameras

3. A Physical Electronic Dictionary

An electronic dictionary that is strictly for looking up words is a must-have. Unlike online dictionaries, which can lead to distractions, a dedicated device allows for quick and efficient word searches without any interruptions. For example, my denshi jisho (electronic Japanese dictionary) is compact, easy to read, and free from notifications. It’s far more convenient than carrying a bulky hardcover dictionary.

Read more about my thoughts on denshi jisho here:🔗 Denshi Jisho: Assessing Its Relevance

4. Physical Textbooks

While digital textbooks are lighter and more portable, I find them more distracting and harder to navigate. Physical textbooks make it easier to focus since you don’t have to deal with notifications pulling you away from your studies. I understand that digital textbooks have their benefits, but for me, the tangible experience of flipping through pages makes studying more effective.

For a deeper dive into my thoughts on physical vs. digital reading, check out this post:🔗 The Battle of Formats: Digital vs. Physical Reading Materials

5. Physical Workbooks

Digital workbooks can be useful for reducing paper waste and easily saving answers, but I personally prefer physical workbooks. Writing with a pen or pencil helps me retain information better, and the lack of screen-based distractions allows for better focus.

If I had to use a digital workbook, I would want a tablet with a stylus for handwriting answers—but since I avoid touchscreen laptops, this wouldn’t be ideal for me.

6. An E-Reader for Reading Assignments

For general reading content, I prefer an e-reader over traditional books. The ability to adjust font size and backlight makes it easier to read without straining my eyes. Additionally, e-readers often include built-in dictionaries, which is a great bonus.

However, e-readers have downsides, such as difficulty flipping back to previous chapters and the fact that you only own a license to the book rather than a physical copy. This means books can potentially be removed from your library.

For my thoughts on the Kindle Paperwhite, check out this post:🔗 Kindle Paperwhite

7. Traditional Writing Tools: Pencils, Pens, Highlighters, Notebooks, and Erasers

There’s something special about handwriting notes. Studies suggest that writing by hand can improve memory retention compared to typing. For that reason, I would always include these classic school supplies in my toolkit.

Flaws in This Setup

While my ideal school supplies create a distraction-free environment, they do come with a major downside: bulkiness. Carrying multiple single-purpose items can be inconvenient, especially for students who already deal with heavy backpacks.

Compared to an all-in-one tablet setup, my approach requires more space and weight. However, my experiences using a tablet in high school showed me that a distraction-free learning environment works best for me—even if it means carrying more items.

Closing Message

What do you think about my ideal school supplies? Would you go for a similar setup, or do you prefer a more digital-friendly approach? Do you agree or disagree with my choices?

Let me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoyed this blog, and I look forward to sharing my next post with you. Have a great day!

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