At school, as we seek to harness the wonders of technology for educational purposes, writing notes and essays on computers is becoming increasingly common among students. However, even today, many teachers, parents and researchers encourage them to write their work by hand. So, should we choose handwriting or digital writing?
There are arguments on both sides. Let’s look at them together:
The benefits of handwriting
- Some studies have revealed that taking notes by hand facilitates comprehension and conceptual interpretation of lessons.
- Handwriting is also effective because many students cannot write as quickly as they can type. Students cannot write down an entire lecture or class word for word. To take notes, they must learn to process what is being said and prioritise what needs to be written down.
- Handwriting is generally slower, so notes are more concise. A student with handwritten notes usually has fewer notes to cover the same content. This is because they will have already condensed the lesson to keep only what is necessary.
- There are fewer distractions. If a student types on a keyboard, they have access to a computer and all the distractions that come with it. With handwriting, it is easier to keep these distractions out of sight and focus on the task at hand.
The advantages of writing on a computer
- Typing on a computer is generally faster, so students are able to take more detailed notes or write faster.
- Digital writing is always legible. This is important for pupils who find it difficult to write neatly, or for those with certain learning difficulties, such as dyspraxia. Indeed, these students will take longer than others for their work to be read correctly by a teacher or examiner. For these students, being able to type on a computer creates equal opportunities because they can write at the same speed as their classmates and be understood just as well.
- Digital input also provides access to the benefits of technology. For example, a computer offers many tools, such as translators, search engines and spell checkers. These can help students be more accurate, clarify certain details and, in general, promote learning.
Both techniques have advantages, so a student may want to try both: for example, by trying to take notes by hand if they are used to taking them digitally, and seeing if this helps them understand the course better. If a student is used to taking written exams but loses marks because the examiner misreads their answer, discussing the possibility of taking future exams on a computer could significantly improve that student’s results.
Handwritten or digital writing—ultimately, it’s up to the student.
Deciding how to write can be a difficult choice for some students who do not yet know what works best for them. It is also the role of our tutors to help them choose and adopt a writing style, while taking into account their preferences, needs and goals.
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