IT’S been described by one children’s help service as a problem of the modern age — students whose handwriting skills suffer as a result of their frequent use of technology such as computer keyboards and tablet and phone pads.
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We’re not talking about untidy handwriting here but more serious issues such as a lack of strength and muscle co-ordination that impacts on children’s ability to write.
One Border academic says while students cannot afford to neglect handwriting skills, she was fortunately not aware of the physical problems cited by Kids First children’s services director Sonja Walker.
However, Charles Sturt University literacy lecturer and researcher Dr Noella Mackenzie said there was evidence to suggest those children who had difficulties with handwriting were disadvantaged in terms of getting their ideas down on paper, regardless of where technology might take them.
It’s about balance. Sure, it’s appropriate children be familiar with the latest technology but obviously the skills learned in using more conventional tools — pens, textas and crayons — is just as important to their overall development and cannot be ignored.
