A new rule from the Pittsburg State University English department now requires that all students handwrite their in-class essays using Blue Book, the small, eight-paged booklets filled with lined notebook paper. This is implemented as a way to promote creativity and discourage the use of AI in student work. The intention behind the policy is very well understood, however, the execution may create a more frustrating environment than an academic benefit for the students.
Blue Books, originally designed for short written exams, are simply too limited in size and availability to be of practical use for full-length essay assignments, where word counts reach over 1,000 easily. Each page of a Blue Book can only fit around 150 written words, and with only eight pages per booklet, students are often forced to use two or more just to complete a standard essay. Unlike regular notebook paper, students cannot staple extra pages together and proceed to continue their work. Instead, they must use an entirely new booklet. It interrupts the process of writing and could possibly make organizing thoughts and grading them a more challenging task than needed.
The theory is that Blue Books are supposed to help keep students truthful and focused, minimizing the temptation to rely on plagiarism. But in practice, the policy could punish students for circumstances beyond their own control. Even though the booklets themselves are inexpensive, only 98 cents each, the Pittsburg State University bookstore frequently runs out of the books. Restocking can take up to a week, and those who show up to class without a Blue Book can be disciplined. Most instructors allow a one-time exception to use loose-leaf notebook paper. After that, it is an automatic “F” or an unexcused absence, even if the student made every effort to obey.
The stiff enforcement of a policy tied to an often-unavailable supply causes unnecessary stress on students. Students should not be punished for shortages they cannot control, even if the goal is to create integrity, the access to required materials should not be left up to chance.
From a practical standpoint, the policy is not usually efficient for professors either. Collecting two, three or four Blue Books from each student can be ungainly and makes stockpiling and returning the essays a more complicated process than if each student turned in a stapled packet of notebook paper.
It is not to say there are no benefits, however. The books can help prevent pages from being shuffled or lost, especially when students forget to number their pages or include their name on each page. But professors already remind the students to write their names and page numbers on each sheet of paper before every essay.
The policy almost looks to be prioritizing security over convenience. But in doing so, it can be placing unnecessary obstacles in front of students who are normally ready and willing to meet expectations. Encouraging honesty is important yet so is respecting the realities students and faculty face. If Pitt State wants to prevent the use of AI or plagiarism in the classroom, it should ensure that the rules do not create new problems.