I have been having my kids learn and practice typing since they were about seven years old. I figure in this day and age, most everything they do will be done on a keyboard. I have often wondered if I am shortchanging their ability to write, both in the capacity of handwriting and/or in the ability to construct an essay. I think the computer is a great tool and needs to be learned, but like many things these days, can we come to rely too much on modern technology?
I have asked a friend of mine, who is a writer, about this subject. He says he does most of his writing on the computer as opposed to writing it out by hand. This is exactly what my son has been doing for the last two years.
Once he began seventh grade, my son decided to do most all of his writing assignments on the word processor on the computer. He still performed pre-writing exercises, proof read and edited before completing his assignments. He felt more in control and like it was less tedious. I think it was a good thing for him and more of a motivator. Rather than have to re-write an entire essay, he could just cut, paste, edit, add and delete what he wanted. I don’t view this as a lazy way to write, but a way that will aid him in his future endeavors.
How do writers and teachers view this approach? Does it shortchange a student not to force them to write everything by hand? Is it an aid for the times in which we live? Or is it reinforcing lazy reliance on modern technology?
I learned how to type when I was in the third grade and I am grateful. Because of it, I can type fast. I’ve learned to think quickly and compose my thoughts. Gone are the days of laborious outlining and planning. And if I need an outline. I can type that out quickly too.
I developed effective study habits starting in middle school because I regularly typed up all my notes and made study sheets for tests which I took everywhere. I would then read my study notes onto a casette (an mp3 mowadays, I guess) and pop it into my “walkman” which also lessened my study time. I could get prepared for a difficult test while getting ready for bed or getting dressed in the morning. I couldn’t have done all that if I didn’t know how to type. I learned that my mind works a lot quicker than my hand writing. With typing, I am able to keep up with it a little better.
I really believe that relying on handwriting is frustrating and a detriment.
Comment by kohuether — June 30, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
but as someone in the typical work-world, it doesn’t mean a whole lot. Almost all communication in the workplace is typed or verbal. Handwriting tends to consist of signatures and post-it notes. Even job applications can have the answers typed in.
As long as they know how to write enough to leave you a note, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Unless they take up calligraphy.
Comment by wordvixen — June 30, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
The practicality is that nearly everything will be keyboarded from now on for many reasons. However, nothing exudes class and sentiment like a well-done hand written note or letter. I hope we never lose that ability!
I hope your camp trip turned out well!
Comment by Montucky — June 30, 2007 @ 11:16 pm
wow! that is some serious studying! I am going to show that to my son. I think it is great! maybe he too can learn to utilize some of those study skills.
I am like you, and I believe he is too, in that keeping up w/ our thoughts w/ a pen is frustrating.
thanks for your wonderful input here
Comment by silken — July 1, 2007 @ 8:35 am
I think you are right, it may not become an issue, but I do believe there is a time and place for handwriting but not exclusively
Comment by silken — July 1, 2007 @ 8:36 am
I agree montucky, they are both important. And you know I agree with you about that handwritten thank you note. I just debated over that one as well myself. A guy I know cooked up 8 briskets for us to take to our camp so we didn’t have to prepare them there, just had to heat them up. I almost typed him a note, but instead opted to put a handwritten thank you in the mail. I think it was just the right thing to do.
the camp went well. my daughter was telling us all about her lessons,etc last night. good stuff, thanks!
Comment by silken — July 1, 2007 @ 8:38 am
I would vote for exclusive telepathic communication. That way I wouldn’t be forced to exhibit my poor handwriting, or questionable typing skills.
I’ll just agree with the crowd, for now at least, both methods are necessary.
Comment by Pinhole — July 1, 2007 @ 8:53 am
I think handwritten notes are good for some social purposes, but with my handwriting, I tend to type those anyway so that people can read them. Other than that it’s typing all the way. I still make notes on pieces of paper - and I carry a notebook around, but when I have to plan something, typing an outline is the easiest way to do it.
Comment by wahmwriter — July 1, 2007 @ 11:07 am
I wish that would work w/ my kids! then again, some of the things I’ve had to refrain from saying probably means it’s a good thing they didn’t get that message!
I need to have my son sit down and refocus his typing skills; they have gotten poorer as he’s become a teen and communicating thru IM and email
Comment by silken — July 1, 2007 @ 1:07 pm
yep, I think that is probably the way of the future-typing all the way. I find myself doing that as well, even for things like camp shopping lists, etc
since I don’t write on a regular basis (formal writing I mean) I wondered if writers find it easier to plan everything out on the computer or on paper. If I do an outline, I still do it w/ pencil and paper (pencil, not pen!) I like to erase! but it probably is just as easy, easier, to plan it out on the word processor
thanks for stopping in
Comment by silken — July 1, 2007 @ 1:09 pm