(Diane showed me this video. The tech war continues, but I think there is a clear winner.)
I
know, I know, paper and pencils are so passé, such anachronisms in the 21st
century, that I shouldn’t even be blogging about them; however, I would like to
suggest that paper and pencils are to writing essays, what creeping and
crawling are to reading.
Everyone
would probably agree that typing on a computer is not the same as writing on a
piece paper. So, by eliminating paper and pencils, might we
actually be skipping an important developmental milestone that impacts how the
brain develops? Will losing the physical connection to writing affect human
evolution? Studies in neuroscience, biopsychology, and evolutionary psychology
actually bear out the cognitive benefits of putting pen to paper. A “hand is not merely a metaphor or an icon of humanness,
but is often the real-life focal point of a successful and genuinely fulfilling
life.”
Undoubtedly, word processing is a convenience for many. Typing is faster than writing, easier to read, edited (if you use spell and grammar check, albeit not 100% foolproof). But does convenience trump all? For example, it’s often more convenient to drive than walk, to reach for fast food rather than cook, to watch TV instead of having a conversation, but we all know that these things should not replace exercise, healthy eating, and talking.
Moderation, temperance, restraint, limits…we need to stop our all or nothing mentality when it comes to computers and technology and start thinking about how they can complement important processes, not replace them entirely.
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ReplyDeleteMadame,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. After finishing (almost) a year of 1:1, I have learned not to throw out the baby with the bath water.
When I was first introduced to the idea of each student having a laptop and saw what some teachers were doing with them, I had the fleeting thought of giving up my Interactive Science Notebook. And boy, am I glad that I didn't. There is a lot to say about writing. As you discussed, the developmental skill, is just one thing to consider.
But, also the creativity in designing one sheet of paper (and not the endless screen that can scroll and scroll). What you write is important, of course. But how you put it down- your handwriting, your style, doodles, drawings, putting things in the margins, the physical act of touching and being a part of a creation is very personal and very grounding.
I am starting to look differently at how I teach because of the different way the students are learning, being lifers of the technology explosion. But there are just somethings that will always be good, such as paper and pencils.
Your fellow biche...