Over the last decade, technology has become more integrated into the school day. For most, some sort of device is used in almost all classes. Technology has benefited the school system tremendously, by making it easier to access a wide range of resources and keep students more engaged. However, the excessive usage of technology has had a detrimental effect on kids in school. Due to technology, students no longer rely on handwritten assignments and notes, leading to noticeably worse handwriting in recent generations.
Since computers have been introduced, technology has seemed to become embedded in our school system. After the COVID-19 pandemic, students were forced to go remote, constraining them to spend all day on a computer. Now, almost all national schools have an assigned computer program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nine in every ten public schools have a 1-to-1 system for students having computers. Essentially, every single student has assigned computer to
Because computers and other technological devices are now central to learning, students no longer have to rely on paper and pen to complete assignments. School systems revolve around technology, which has eliminated the need to write by hand. Without the constant reinforcement of writing in school, students’ writing has become illegible and difficult to understand.
“Students who have access to technology like computers in school are more reliant on computers and tend to prefer typing on docs and completing homework online rather than by hand,” Walpole High School student Priya Cevallos said.
Signing checks, important documents, birthday cards or even writing a grocery list are tasks that exist throughout adulthood. These tasks all include some sort of writing. People’s penmanship is a distinctive tool that separates them from one another.
Handwritten material is not only important but beneficial. Physically writing information down will help with motor skills and hand coordination. Specifically when studying, writing work by hand can help you remember the material better. The brain recognizes words and letters better when physically writing it down, which is beneficial for reading notes and vocabulary words.
“Writing by hand helps us better internalize what we are in the process of learning. There is a connection between your hand and your brain which helps you remember what you’re writing; according to studies, that connection isn’t present while typing,” WHS English teacher Lisa Linden said.
It’s important to be aware of the consciousness of technology. Devices should not be depended on, but rather used as a tool. It is crucial to find a healthy balance between writing by hand and typing. To avoid future generations from lacking this important skill, schools need to keep up with a curriculum that includes writing by hand and to find a healthy medium between our devices and paper work.
