SHOULD STUDENTS BE
TAUGHT TYPING INSTEAD OF WRITING?
Typing
and writing are two socially acceptable ways to produce written work. Children
need to know how to do both. Although computers are widely accepted in our
society, it is not always possible, desirable or convenient to use a computer.
Children will always need to be able to write their names, their homework lists
or reminder notes with some proficiency. They do not, however, need to produce
every science project or English essay in neatly formed handwriting.
The digital writing
workspace is convenient for several reasons. A single laptop or tablet can hold
all the books and materials a student needs. It can also contain tools for
research, entertainment activities, and curated music. The tech devices make
learning more accessible. With the push of a button or a tap on a screen,
students can activate engaging learning experiences, or they can record
lectures. Convenience, however, doesn’t trump old-fashioned writing by hand
when it comes to learning. Writing by hand has benefits that technology has not
been able to reproduce – yet.
Writing By Hand:
v Develops
Visual Motor Skills
v Improves
Thinking
v Increases
Language Processing Skills
In
today’s society, keyboarding is an important skill for all children to learn,
but it is particularly important for children with motor coordination
difficulties. With support and appropriate instruction, even young children
with coordination difficulties can learn to be very proficient typists. The
computer can open up a world of possibilities for learning and for success at school.
