Dr Donna Velliaris explores the role that handwriting plays in a world increasingly reliant on digital technology.
‘In the digital age where typing and texting have become the norm, the charm of handwritten notes continues to persist’
Embracing new technologies in the classroom can signify the reduction of traditional pedagogical approaches and one of the most prominent cases of ‘out-with-the-old’ and ‘in-with-the-new’ is that of handwriting instruction. Due to the advancement of technologies, some schools and/or their educators consider handwriting as old fashioned or archaic—a dying art.
An ‘either-or’ Proposition
Some educationalists posit that handwriting will succumb to the popularity of digital interfaces and inevitably vanish forevermore. Educators should stop, however, comparing the relevance and superiority of these two methods against one another. Agreed, typing is a fundamental skill that does need to be learned in today’s modern-age, but it should not be taught at the expense of penmanship. This ‘either-or’ proposition is nonsensical.
Digital forms of literacy should not replace that which has empowered humans for thousands of years. Rather than ask questions pertaining to the validity of teaching/practicing handwriting in schools at a time when technologies are asserting their primacy, teachers ought to be conscious of how ‘handwriting’ (unimanual activity) and ‘keyboarding’ (bimanual activity) can be complementary, and not mutually exclusive.
Educational Implications
‘The slow nature of handwriting allows for more thoughtful and intentional communication. It gives us the time to carefully consider our words, fostering a deeper understanding and better articulation of our thoughts’
Though the link between writing (hand) and scholastic achievement (brain) i.e., action-perception coupling, does not always appear logical, the mechanisms by which penning spurs higher learning are significant. Handwriting is an immensely complex and sophisticated skill whereby the process—movements and functioning of the hand—effectively interacts with pathways to the brain. It is a multifaceted skill that offers many and varied advantages for individuals of all ages, including but not limited to:
- activating the region of the brain involved in thinking and language processing
- affecting the fluency and quality of compositions
- benefitting daily activities and tasks that require manual precision
- boosting memory encoding
- developing and refining fine motor skills
- heightening creative expression and personal identity
- improving information retention and comprehension
- strengthening hand-eye coordination
By diminishing or disregarding the significance of handwriting, educators may deprive students of a performance on paper—as unique as a fingerprint, beautiful, and deeply human—that intertwines both language and art, and is a personal history. Such modernisation will have educational implications as the keyboard snatches letters from the realm of a student’s hand, and impersonalises their script.
Preserving Handwriting
‘Unlike digital notes that can easily get lost in the sea of electronic files and folders, handwritten notes have a physical presence. They can be touched, held, and kept, allowing the recipient to revisit the emotions and memories…’
Handwriting is a fundamental skill that continues to be indispensable in various facets of one’s life. In professional settings, the ability to take quick and concise notes is greatly facilitated by proficient scribing, allowing individuals to capture and retain important information efficiently and effectively. Beyond the workplace, the significance of handwriting extends to legal transactions, where signing documents is of legally binding importance. Thus, emphasising its relevance in educational curricula ensures that students are equipped with a ‘skillset’ that will serve them well across diverse aspects of life; a versatile and relevant competency in our technologically advancing world.
Significantly, handwritten communication conveys a personal touch that electronic messages lack, fostering a deeper connection in personal relationships. The physical act of forming letters on paper becomes a tangible extension of individuality that captures the nuances of one’s personality. The choice of pen as well as the pace and pressure applied etc., all contribute to a personal style that transcends the uniformity of typed text. It is an artform worth cherishing and promoting for future generations to appreciate, and it must continue to thrive alongside our digital advancements.
Summary
The art of handwriting is not about dismissing technology, but rather honouring the rich history and personal connection that it offers; it is not opposed to digital tools. In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, teaching handwriting is a testament to the appropriateness of a well-rounded education that considers both traditional and modern competencies.
References
The Mirage (2023, May 26). Why we love handwritten notes: Psychology of handwriting [online]. Retrieved https://www.miragenews.com/why-we-love-handwritten-notes-psychology-of-1013761
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