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.

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.

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.

Reference

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014h). David Thornburg: Rhymes of history [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.