Before the internet became an integral part of daily life, the process of completing schoolwork was entirely different. In the 1960s, a time when technology was still developing, students relied heavily on books, printed materials, and manual methods to complete their homework and assignments. Here’s an overview of how students completed their schoolwork in the 1960s, before the advent of the internet.

1. Traditional Learning Materials: Books and Libraries

In the 1960s, textbooks and printed study materials were the primary resources for students. Lessons were taught in classrooms, and the necessary knowledge for assignments or research projects came mainly from books. If students needed to conduct additional research, they would visit the library—often the central hub of knowledge. Libraries were stocked with a wide array of books on every subject, from science and history to literature.

The library was a critical resource, where students would consult books and academic journals to find the information needed for essays and research papers. Searching for materials took time, and students had to familiarize themselves with catalog cards and manual filing systems to find the books they needed.

2. Handwritten Assignments and Early Typewriters

Without personal computers as we have today, students in the 1960s primarily completed their assignments by hand. Writing by hand was the only way to finish essays and homework. A pen and notebook were essential tools for every student. For math problems or complex calculations, students might use calculators (if available) or solve problems manually.

For high school or university students, the use of early computers was quite rare and typically confined to institutions with larger budgets. These early machines were often used for specialized tasks, such as performing complex calculations in math and science courses.

3. No Internet: How Information Was Sought

Unlike today, where information can be found in an instant through search engines, finding information in the 1960s was a time-consuming process. Students had to rely on books, textbooks, and sometimes experts or teachers for specific data.

When it came to writing essays or finding research material, students would go to the library and search through books, academic journals, and even old newspapers. The time spent finding sources could span weeks, and accessing information was far from immediate as it is today.

4. The Manual Process of Doing Homework

When it came to doing homework, students in the 1960s relied on entirely manual methods. To prepare for a lengthy essay or a presentation, students had to search for materials from multiple sources, take notes on key points, and write their papers from scratch. There were no word processors to help make this process quicker or easier. Everything had to be written by hand, or typed on a typewriter, which was a common tool at the time.

Using a typewriter not only helped students write faster, but it also created clean copies of their essays, as any mistakes required manual correction. Editing papers was a laborious task and could take a considerable amount of time and effort.

5. Group Work and Discussions

Students in the 1960s didn’t use technology for group work as much as today’s students do. Instead, they would meet in person—either at school, in libraries, or sometimes at each other’s homes—to discuss assignments. This in-person collaboration allowed them to share information, debate topics, and help each other complete their schoolwork.

6. Direct Teaching and Hands-On Learning

Classroom learning in the 1960s was very direct and interactive. Teachers would lecture to students in class, and assignments were typically done during or after class. Homework assignments focused on reinforcing the skills learned during lessons, and there was no online support or software assistance to make the process easier.

Conclusion: The Difference of Pre-Internet Schoolwork

Looking back at schoolwork in the 1960s, it’s clear that the experience was much different from what students face today. Without the internet, students had to rely on books, manual research, and handwritten or typewritten assignments. Though technology has made learning much more accessible and efficient today, the manual process of schoolwork in the 1960s helped students develop independent thinking and patience. It was a time when learning was a slower, more deliberate process, but it also taught skills and values that shaped students’ educational experiences.