STUDENTS cannot afford to neglect their handwriting skills, even if keyboards and tablets are being more frequently used in classes, a Border education expert warns.
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That comes after a children’s help service raised concerns about youngsters needing therapy due to a lack of strength and muscle co-ordination caused by excessive use of technology.
Kids First children’s services director Sonja Walker said keyboards and smartphones were leading to children lacking the strength and stamina to hold a pen for the required period of time to use their imagination to write a story or draw.
Charles Sturt University literacy lecturer and researcher Dr Noella Mackenzie said she was not aware of physical problems caused by technology.
But Dr Mackenzie stressed that handwriting should be encouraged and was a skill needed in daily life.
“There is evidence to suggest children who have difficulties with handwriting are disadvantaged in terms of getting ideas down on paper and the real technology converts will say down the track you won’t need handwriting but to date there isn’t any substitute,” Dr Mackenzie said.
“There is no voice recognition system good enough that means none of us will never have to handwrite.”
Dr Mackenzie acknowledged there were still times in the day she had to pick up a pen and write on a piece of paper or on an electronic board.
“Evidence says up to 50 per cent of a child’s tasks at school in the current era involve them in writing,” she said.
The principal of Lavington’s Holy Spirit Primary School, Mark MacLean, said it was important “21st century children were taught 21st century technologies” but writing still had a place.
“Our school still has an emphasis on handwriting because children still need to be able to form letters,” Mr MacLean said.
“Neatness is not important, just being able to form the letters is.”
Holy Spirit Primary School year two student Noah Condon said he often wrote by hand at school but preferred using the computer.
“Your hand doesn’t get sweaty,” he said.
Year four student Charli Heriot disagreed and said handwriting was easier.
“It’s faster handwriting than waiting for the computer to load.”
Dr Mackenzie said she encouraged children to familiarise themselves with writing tools.
“It will allow them to be able to map out their ideas in the future.”
Parents Stacey Condon and Dannii Heriot said they both limited their children’s screen time at home.
Ms Condon said it was important for youngsters to practice traditional learning techniques such as handwriting and not allow them to become too reliant on technology.
