In this generation, personal computers and cellular devices rule. Is there any space left for traditional handwriting in a world like this one? Because of Microsoft Word, Quizlet, and styluses, it seems like handwriting is about to go where the dinosaurs and the Dodos went – the land of extinction.
However, even though we can replace handwritten text with technology, we can’t replace the sentimental part of handwriting – the cursives, the personality that comes across in every note written by a parent, historical records, diaries, journals. The emotion in these handwritten pieces can’t be replicated by Helvetica and Arial. Handwriting is like a fingerprint – something unique to everyone that is part of identity.
Both handwriting and typing are effective ways to take notes and produce records, but which is necessary for students in this day and age? A Princeton University researcher noted that note taking using the keyboard is faster and more accurate than doing so using a regular pen and paper. For this, keyboarding gets the point.
But is it helpful?
A group of students were divided in two, with one taking notes traditionally and the other technologically. They were told to study their material then take an exam. The students who had handwritten notes scored better than those who did it by key and click. The researchers discovered that handwriting notes actually “enhances student’s ability to learn, conceptualize, and retain information” as compared to typing.
This debate can go on and on, but the question will never truly be answered. That is because both are necessary. Children don’t receive phones the minute they begin to process and produce information – they receive pens. Or pencils. Or crayons. Once they grow up, they are handed a keyboard. They must learn both, strengthen both, and use both.
These days you need to dive into both territories. Handwriting will be learned in class the traditional way, but you’ll need technology to work a technological script. That’s where online courses like Typesy come in. You can practice and practice how to type daily or weekly depending on your skill. Resources like this will help you get the hang of touch typing.
Tradition may tell you one thing, innovation other, but what your child needs is not to stick to the past – it’s to learn something new.
Learn touch typing the right way with Typesy!
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