Technology Month: Cursive Writing vs. Typing: Which is more important?

For many years cursive writing has been a staple in Canadian classrooms. However, with the relatively recent popularization of computers, cursive writing lessons may be fazed out, and replaced by typing lessons. This is a major debate, and one of the many effects that technology has had on our classroom. To really understand the debate, I’ve decided to present both arguments and haf3 you decide what you agree on.

Argument 1: Typing should be taught in classrooms
Computers are as affordable as ever, and very accessible to almost every person.  With computers high accessibility, more and more institutions are expecting people to use computers and type reports and assignments in their careers and secondary education. For example, most universities expect all papers and assignments to be typed. A schools job is to teach student's lessons to prepare them for life after primary education. With typing and computers so important after their primary education, it is important for them to be taught in school.

One of the original appeals of cursive writing is that it is faster than printing. While this is true, many people feel like typing is faster and neater than writing. With typing being faster and neater than cursive writing, students can get more, well formed work in a faster time, and for that reason, it should be considered more important for it to be taught in classrooms.

Argument 2: Cursive writing should be taught in classrooms
Cursive writing is so important because it allows for a students thoughts to flow on to the page more than the stop and go nature of typing. By creating a continuous stream of writing and thoughts, it will be easier for struggling students to get their ideas on the page or retain information. A study by Indiana University proved that there is a connection between writing and increased brain activity and memory of concepts. Demonstrating that this increased brain activity may help students think harder to get their ideas on the page, and internalize important concepts.

Also, by stop teaching cursive writing, students may forget each cursive letter, and have trouble reading documents written in cursive. This can be a major problem, because many historical documents where written in cursive, and if cursive is not taught, future generations might not be able to read these important documents.

The Verdict?
With both ideas presented, what do you agree on? Should schools teach typing or cursive writing?

However, unlike this debate, the contest we are running is not controversial. If you would like to win a $20 iTunes gift card, head over to our Facebook page by clicking the Facebook button below. When over there, “like” our page, “like” and “share” the specific contest post to win! You have until MIDNIGHT of October 2nd to apply. After tonight, the contest will be over. Check back at the Facebook page in a couple days for a video announcing the winners.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of Technology Month,
David 

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