Handwriting and Keyboarding-Part II

We had over 150 teachers respond to the survey related to handwriting or keyboarding, and the results are below:

In today's digital age, some people have shared they were surprised by these results. Some like the convenience and efficiency of keyboarding--others prefer the creativity and flow of ideas that comes from handwriting. As we prepare our students for the future, it will be important to develop the skills of both handwriting and keyboarding and help them reflect on their personal learning style as well as the purpose and audience to select the best form for written communication.

The Case for Handwriting

While the digital age might cause many to question the relevance of handwriting, there are many studies that show the benefits of cursive writing:

• Engages the brain more deeply, 
• Improves fine motor dexterity 
• Gives children a better idea of how words work in combination.
• Children until about grade six write more words, write faster and express more ideas when using handwriting.

The Case for Keyboarding

With advanced technology, keyboarding is a fundamental skill. Implementing a keyboarding program can help students be successful in a digital world.

• Keyboarding increases efficiency in writing and editing.
• Foundational keyboarding and word processing supports use of advanced computing tools and broader digital literacy skills.
• Keyboarding supports students in adjusting to multiple types of devices.

The Case for 'And'

Advocates for both handwriting and keyboarding both agree that clear, quality written communication is more important than how we produce it. There is a time and a purpose for both. What is important is that instruction in the area of written communication has a small amount of time focused on basic information and drills with the majority of time spent on authentic communication and practice. 

The policies and curriculum at Southeast Polk reflect these ideas and may be found here.

Sources
Asher and Estes, 2016
Connely, Gee, & Walsh, 2007
Donica, Giroux, & Faust, 2018
El Sayed, 2018
Hopman, 2014
Wolf, B., Berninger, V., & Abbott, R, 2016