Does Handwriting Still Have a Purpose?

In today’s tech-savvy world, work is completed more quickly, and most people are often more comfortable typing on a screen rather than holding a pen.
What does this mean for the everyday skill of using handwriting, correct spelling and grammar?

Undoubtedly, we all need to keep up to date as technology progresses, as we will use it throughout our lives. However, handwriting is an important life skill and can positively affect work produced throughout our lives.

In this blog, we  explore if handwriting still has a purpose 

Does Handwriting Encourage Creativity and Personal Expression?

While we tend to work on computers and generally use digital tools, which has changed how we work and learn,  handwriting plays an integral part in our lives.

Using a pen or pencil encourages writers to develop their unique writing style, which engages areas of the brain associated with language, memory, and creativity. As it is tactile, the handwriting process can stimulate positive emotions. This enables the writer to think more about what they are writing. As a result,  handwriting matters, often generating more ideas and increasing fluid thinking.

For example, handwriting matters when writing technical documents or drawing diagrams; the writer must engage with the subject (because of the technical information) more closely, enhancing understanding of the content and critical thinking and ownership of the work. Another example is completing entries in a diary, which helps us remember those engagements.

Furthermore, when using maths, we may use a pen or pencil and paper to work out an answer, which is a simple problem-solving activity. Working through a problem by hand helps to understand the calculation more thoroughly. Those who use maths manually are more likely to remember processes and formulas and develop problem-solving skills.
By physically writing and drawing, we can better absorb information, improving our lives. When we draw diagrams or sketches, handwriting adds an element of individual expression that typing cannot replicate.

For some people, handwriting is a chore, so they care about something other than the writing produced.
Further research shows that the movement involved in handwriting can support remembering new words and spelling them. Handwriting enables us to communicate through notes, memos, letters, emails, or social media.
Writing lets us complete formal and informal documents at work.

Is Handwriting Used in this Digital Age?

We might assume handwriting while working digitally using a computer is outdated.
Many schools and universities incorporate laptops, tablets, and digital whiteboards into daily learning. Team and Zoom meetings are also convenient, reducing the need for physical meetings and making it easier to communicate with colleagues worldwide. Digital tools and handwriting coexist harmoniously in many different walks of life.
Adapting to the handwriting requirements in our individual lives using the handwriting skills learnt in early life continues to benefit us in learning new words, spellings, and correct grammar. Specialised pens have been developed for those with Dyslexia to complete handwriting as a multi-sensory experience.
Research indicates handwriting combines visual, motor and cognitive skills. With technological progress, the increased use of touch screens also helps those with diverse needs. In addition, modern software enables speech to be transferred into writing, helping individuals with diverse needs produce excellent work. Software allowing individuals to work this way may give them more confidence using a computer. Using a computer to write documents can make writing faster and more comfortable. Being able to type and then type faster does encourage faster handwriting.  Features on a computer, such as spellcheck and formatting, enable the work to be dynamic.

Handwriting?

Legible handwriting remains very important in many industries—for instance, medical professions, where doctors and nurses must communicate clearly through legible written records. While electronic health systems are becoming more common, handwritten notes and prescriptions are still widely used.
Even in creative professions like design or architecture, the ability to sketch and write out ideas by hand is often an essential part of the process. Legible handwriting still matters as it helps individuals communicate their ideas quickly and efficiently, making writing a valuable skill in every walk of life.
Although we seemingly spend increasing hours in front of screens. Encouraging handwriting helps to reduce eye strain, acting as a welcome break from screen time.
Helping to promote a healthier balance between digital and physical activities.

Handwriting skills have been adapted in this tech-savvy world but remain an important foundational life skill.

Handwriting does still have a purpose.

At Workforce Training, we encourage those in our courses to make notes against the slides we use during our courses. Our individual and team activities all require written input to complete the activities.

Training Courses include