The
emergence of new technologies often echoes the technologies of the past. At
times these new technologies are designed to meet the same universal needs as
those in the past. Dr. Thornburg describes the rhymes of history as, “The
affect or impact of a new development rekindles something from the distant past”
(Laureate, 2014h). As I looked through my school district’s twitter feed this
past feed I noticed this tweet picturing young students practicing their
handwriting using iPads.
While paper may not be so hard to come by in or modern times we
have hopefully learned to conserve it when possible. So in addition to its many
other capabilities the iPad can successfully be used to provide a tool for students
to practice their writing skills while limiting the use of natural resources.
O.A .Fleming PreK students are learning letters & practicing handwriting skills on the ipads. #BISDpride #OAFleming pic.twitter.com/MgVsaXRf1M
— Christie Bray Burns (@ChristieBurnsEd) January 7, 2016
As I looked at this picture I thought years ago young
children would be doing the same thing using a slate and a piece of chalk. Now
before anyone gets mad and starts listing all the advanced capabilities of an
iPad hear me out. Sometimes you simply need a way to practice the fine motor
skills needed to write in cursive. These skills will often need to be practiced
over and over.
Reference
Laureate
Education (Producer). (2014h). David
Thornburg: Rhymes of history [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
I understand the need to conserve natural resources but are students working on a broad range of fine motor skills? Writing wasn't the only purpose for the paper and pencil/ crayon and unfortunately teachers are seeing students moving up into higher grades without having learned the additional fine motor skills learned through practicing how to hold a pencil or crayon in their hands. NiYa
ReplyDeleteHi, I am very interested in tactile learning. I've seen e-learning modules on calligraphy and wonder, how could the work be reviewed and assessed? But, I am not opposed to the idea of learning writing skills on an iPad. Interesting post Josh, thank you. Kori
ReplyDelete