There is some interesting research to be read about how writing by hand is dealt with by the brain differently than typing is. And if we keep writing by hand, it needs to be legible, right?

It helps build fine motor skills which are important from drawing, typing and texting!

Should We Still Teach Cursive Writing?

Good question. I have a large population of international students whose handwriting is hardly legible, so there is a lot of focus on computer work. I think you need a balance.

acoleman: do you have some links to the research.. I would love to explore that!!!

tillmanartist: I would agree with that statement!

crissaracer: I don't off the top of my head (or browser history). I just remember reading a few in one of my tech endorsement classes.

acoleman: I just read in a parents magazine ( I know highly reliable) that it is important to work on handwriting specifically cursive bc it teaches kids concentration skills

Handwriting is very important. No guarantee technology available or working all the time, and some things truly need written to be understood

LisaNWOSU2000: Lisa I wholeheartedly agree that tech could fail us...in many areas...so back up is always a good idea..question tho..how would writing something by hand be understood easier than say if it were

typed?

Hand written used more focus on what is appearing on paper by your hand, not a screen to machine to printer. This also makes student

Slow down a bit and thus allows in a way reflection of understanding. If nit understand, then easier make other markings or ask question

Right then rather than wait to print then go back and try to find where issue is. Most won't go back on typed notes to find question area

Many things require a physical signature.

LisaNWOSU2000: I think so students sync the info better when it's hand written by them.

LisaNWOSU2000: tillmanartist: got ya...I am a paper pencil gal..but wonder if it's my age. Do you think our 21st century learners might be different? just curious?

Here is an article that talks about why handwritten notes are better for learning than typed notes Typed vs Handwritten Notes It has links to the studies within it

acoleman: Awesome, I will check it out!

crissaracer: I don't know. I know my students take forever to take notes and I wish they know cursive to allow them to write faster.