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How to Go Paperless: A Guide for Educators

by Steve Fox | Mar 23, 2021 | Education

Why Make the Switch?

It’s no secret that this last year has been hard on educators. Not only are teachers and administrators having to adapt to a whole new way of presenting information (virtual school anyone?), but the sanitation procedures for in-person learning, as well as trying to mitigate frustrations across the board, all have created a definite new normal for the educators that are not without its frustrations.

Going paperless, while daunting, is actually a way educators can streamline processes and create a more hygienic method of record-keeping and storage. Digital transformation can be intimidating, so let’s break down the process into three steps.

1. Shop Around

It is important to shop around for the paperless eSignature platform that is best for you and your team. There is a myriad of options, some of which have been around for years and have established themselves as the premier choice in eSignature solutions. Make sure to read the fine print and educate yourself on what you are being charged and for what you are being charged.

Some platforms tack on extra charges for additional users, unlimited signatures, support, and more. These kinds of upcharges can be problematic for educators, because needs in education are constantly evolving. Finding a paperless platform that can flex with your needs, without overcharging you for extras, will save you money as well as keep things predictable.

2. Hassle-Free Uploading

In the education world, paperwork is king. Every decision made, every permission granted, every plan finalized…it all has to be documented and filed. When going paperless, you will want to make sure this process is easy to navigate. Look for a paperless platform that has drag and drop options for uploading. Easy and efficient uploading ought to be one of the first things you assess when shopping for a paperless eSignature platform.

3. Streamlined Storage and Sharing Features

Once you upload your files, you will want to make sure you can organize them with tags and filters so you find them later when you need them. Advanced search options, applied filters, and an easy-to-navigate system will make your documents simple to track and manage.

Additionally, being able to send documents that need signing, as well as ones that are completed, with a click of a button is a feature any worthwhile paperless solution should include. When shopping for a paperless platform, it is smart to explore the entire program to make sure these options are available to you and are effortless in their use.

Paperless is Here to Stay

While many things have come and gone over the years, it seems there are a few things that have found a permanent spot in the new normal of today. Even before the pandemic, paperless systems and eSignatures were gaining ground. And now? They are almost essential to businesses and to education. The truth is, the less paper you have to physically handle, the less space there is for mistakes and the less sanitizing you have to do when the day is over.

Interested in hearing more about paperless options and how BlueInk can help? Set up a meeting and let us walk you through our system and how it can serve you.