The integration of handwriting and typing skills prepares learners for various educational and professional tasks, fostering cognitive development and technological proficiency
Handwriting evolved thousands of years ago and typing on a machine is a modern-day event, but both get an extreme engagement with the brain, a very simple to sense. But what’s the degree of it? whats their functions to stimulate brain activity to make more healthy neurons? These have always been a field of wonder for us to discover as well as realize.
When we see nice handwriting, we see it with wondering eyes! When we see people typing super fast, the same reflection of our mind is exposed with surprise.
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Research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology suggests that while typing is faster, handwriting engages the brain more, potentially enhancing learning and memory. A study conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology monitored brain activity in 36 university students as they either handwrote or typed words repeatedly. The results indicated that handwriting activates a broader range of brain regions compared to typing, particularly involving visual, sensory, and motor cortices.
Handwriting involves visualizing letters and executing precise motor movements for each character, whereas typing relies on repetitive key presses with less variation in movement patterns. Consequently, handwriting requires more brain activity, fostering communication between different brain areas, while typing engages fewer regions.
On the other hand, Others like Audrey van der Meer, argue for a balanced approach, acknowledging the importance of both handwriting and typing in today’s digital world. The study emphasizes that while handwriting has cognitive advantages, typing remains essential for tasks like lengthy essays.
“Because only small parts of the brain are active during typewriting, there is no need for the brain to communicate between different areas.”
-Audrey van der Meer, Neuropsychology professor at NTNU
Prior Research: Handwriting vs. Typing
Van der Meer’s prior investigations into children and young adults revealed a heightened brain activity during handwriting compared to typing, echoing findings from a 2017 study by Indiana University which suggested a correlation between handwriting and the enhancement of visual and motor skills, potentially aiding letter recognition in children.
However, the debate continues regarding whether the act of taking notes on paper versus a laptop leads to better retention and comprehension of information in educational settings or enhances performance on assessments.
Ramesh Balasubramaniam, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Merced, not affiliated with the study, expressed uncertainty about how the observed brain activity in the new research translates into tangible improvements in learning or memory.
Why Writing by Hand Leads to Better Learning
Enhanced Memory Retention:
Studies, such as one conducted by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014), have found that students who take handwritten notes demonstrate better retention of information compared to those who type. The act of physically writing engages multiple senses and cognitive processes, reinforcing memory formation.
Improved Conceptual Understanding:
Handwriting fosters deeper comprehension of concepts. The slower pace of handwriting allows individuals to process and synthesize information as they write, leading to a more profound understanding of the material. This was highlighted in a study published in Psychological Science (2011), showing that students who took handwritten notes outperformed their peers in conceptual application.
Fine Motor Skill Development:
Writing by hand involves intricate motor movements, promoting the development of fine motor skills. Research by James and Engelhardt (2012) suggests that motor feedback from handwriting contributes to neurological development, potentially enhancing overall cognitive abilities, particularly in children.
Increased Focus and Engagement:
Unlike typing, handwriting demands greater attention and engagement. It discourages multitasking and encourages individuals to focus solely on the task at hand, leading to improved concentration and information processing. This heightened focus can lead to more effective learning experiences, as indicated by studies such as one published in Frontiers in Psychology (2017).
Personalized Learning Experience:
Handwriting allows for customization and creativity in note-taking and learning. Individuals can employ various techniques such as doodling, sketching, and highlighting, which cater to their unique learning preferences and facilitate better information organization and recall. This personalized approach to learning has been shown to increase motivation and engagement, as demonstrated in research by Van der Meer et al. (2019).
Balancing Handwriting and Typing: Bangladesh’s Educational Shift
In Bangladesh, the effectiveness of typing versus writing for better learning largely depends on individual preferences, available resources, and educational contexts. While traditionalists argue for the cognitive benefits of handwriting, modern pedagogy increasingly integrates typing due to its efficiency and alignment with digital literacy demands.
Research by Karin James, a psychologist at Indiana University, suggests that handwriting enhances neural activity related to learning. However, Bangladesh, like many countries, is experiencing a digital transition, with typing becoming essential for communication and productivity. Typing offers advantages such as speed, legibility, and the ability to easily edit and share content, particularly in academic and professional settings.
Moreover, initiatives like the “Digital Bangladesh” campaign underscore the government’s emphasis on technological integration in education. Schools and universities are adopting digital platforms and e-learning tools, emphasizing typing skills alongside traditional handwriting. Additionally, access to computers and smartphones is expanding, making typing more accessible to students across socio-economic backgrounds.
While both methods have their merits, the evolving landscape favors typing for its practicality and alignment with contemporary needs. The key lies in striking a balance, leveraging the cognitive benefits of handwriting while equipping learners with essential typing skills for success in the digital age.
Conclusion
The research underscores the cognitive advantages of handwriting in engaging diverse brain regions, potentially enhancing learning and memory. However, in a rapidly digitizing world, a balanced approach is crucial. Integrating both handwriting and typing skills equips learners for diverse educational and professional demands, ensuring cognitive development alongside technological proficiency.
