Will handwriting stand the test of technology and digitalisation?

The act of physically writing something down activates a different part of the brain, than what typing does.

Dubai - Though writing may seem archaic and time-consuming in today's age, there is something therapeutic about penning the words down on paper.

Do children in 2017 still need to practise the art of handwriting? This is a question raised since the onset of technology in classrooms. Although keyboards have become part and parcel of the school-based learning experience, education experts in the UAE say handwriting still has its place in the digital age. 
When Khaleej Times asked several schooling organisations in the UAE if handwritten exams could soon take a back seat to computer-based exams, some agreed it may be the next logical step. But it doesn't mean handwriting should be forgotten altogether. 
"Switching to a digital medium for writing exams seems to be the next inevitable step in the near future. It will save paper, be of considerable help to students with dyslexia and editing the text/answers would be easier, as would the marking process. But the art of writing will thrive, even as we make way for new technologies," said Ashok Kumar, CEO of Indian High School (IHS).
Though writing may seem archaic and time-consuming in today's age, there is something therapeutic about penning the words down on paper.
Kumar said it helps students focus and organise their thoughts before writing them down. "At IHS, we have regular handwriting competitions, for English, Hindi as well as Arabic. There is still a lot of importance given to the written word and legibility." 
Kathy Miner, head of school and CEO, GEMS American Academy, told Khaleej Times that while the importance of nurturing digital skills among students is necessary at a time when robotics and Internet are dominating the work market, there will always be a need for written communication in schools.
"Whether it is note-taking, essay writing, or art created with pencils and paintbrushes, we are built to create with our hands. Because of this, we do not see a complete end to written exams; while much can be done on a computer, there are some tasks showing knowledge and creativity that cannot." 
And to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, she said they need to have "broad experiences involving both technology and traditional tools" because the jobs they encounter in life encompass both.
And according to Miner, the act of physically writing something down activates a different part of the brain, than what typing does.
"I think it is important that we teach students the skills to use both computers and pencil and paper. By demonstrating both skills, students have the choice to use what makes them more comfortable."
But as more students move towards digitally-focused practice, has handwriting deteriorated among the UAE students? 
Kumar said: "At IHS, thankfully, we still haven't received contact from the CBSE board saying they couldn't transcribe a student's copy. That's because we promote tasks within the school to hone writing accuracy."
At GEMS American Academy - Abu Dhabi, this problem hasn't reared its head yet. Miner said in reviewing the procedures for the IB Diploma examinations, they were not able to find a policy addressing this issue.
"We spoke to our school counselor who commented that if a student were at risk, this issue would have been addressed long before the formal testing event for either instruction and practice or to ensure the proper accommodation for the exams." 
kelly@khaleejtimes.com