Here at Ball State University, students are desensitized to hearing about how many great technilogical advancements the universcity university has. It seems almost every day there is an announcement about some new technology or another, and everyone here knows that technology is a big deal.
It might seem odd that at least one instructor on campus is requiring students to write papers by hand instead of typing them. Biology instructor Mark Walker has turned away from technology in hopes that students will receive a more complete education.
To some, writing papers by hand might be a complete nightmare. Without the technology computers offer penmanship, grammar, spelling and punctuation have the potential to lower grades.
Although technology is a vital aspect of an education in today's advanced world, it's easy to forget the fundamentals that make a solid education.
Walker requires his elementary and secondary education major students to handwrite assignments. These future teachers will be responsible for teaching children how to write properly. These students aren't the only ones who would benefit from a similar requirement, however.
As a primitive form of communication, teachers - of all people - need a firm understanding of writing essentials. But they should not suffer alone in their hand cramps - all jobs depend on effective communication to function efficiently.
The ability to clearly and properly express an idea can mean the difference between success and confusion or failure.
Hand writing papers requires more concentration and knowledge than using a computer. Gone are the safeguards to check spelling, grammar and punctuation. Writers are now armed with only their minds.
Technology is changing the way the world communicates and affecting education at every level.
Take, for example, Microsoft Corp. and its latest edition of its popular word processing program Word. Word 2007 has a new feature that creates citations in many popular writing styles. The software already offers grammar, spelling and punctuation checks that are fairly accurate.
With these features, writing has become less about the author and more about what tools they have at their disposal.
Technology has offered suitable replacements for many other aspects of communication. E-mail is infinitely faster than traditional mail services and online blogging is challenging professional journalism using amateur newswriters and reporters.
The basic mechanics of writing, however, cannot be improved by technology. Some of the aspects of writing, such as spelling and grammar, are being taken over by technological advancements.
In this area, technology should only compliment the basic knowledge all students should have. After all, machines that can't write will never take over the world.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
