Balanced is Best by Amber Ferris

Digital Testing

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 20:51:15 UTC

I know that the AP exam for the class I teach (AP English Language and Composition) will be entirely digital for the 2025 exam administration.

Typing v. Handwriting

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 20:52:22 UTC

My original I wonder statement: I wonder if there is a difference when students type essays versus when they write essays by hand. How does using technology when writing affect student writers?

Student Preference

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 20:53:02 UTC

I wonder what writing medium students prefer: typing or handwriting? What is the reason for their preference?

Writing Quality & Cognitive Processes

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 21:54:45 UTC

The choice of writing medium can influence essay quality in terms of length, organization, vocabulary, and grammar.

Handwriting and typing stimulate different cognitive processes. While handwriting is often associated with deeper engagement and focus, typing is associated with longer essays and better organization.

Research Gaps

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 21:55:11 UTC

More research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of different writing mediums on writing development.

Addressing digital literacy disparities and ensuring equitable access to technology is crucial for supporting all students.

Implications for Educational Practices

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 21:55:48 UTC

Educators should consider integrating both handwriting and digital tools in writing assignments to leverage the benefits of each medium.

Effective instructional strategies should be developed to support students in using both writing mediums effectively to cater to students' diverse needs.

Assessment practices should be designed to evaluate writing quality across different mediums.

Handwriting May Enhance Writing Quality

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 22:00:32 UTC

Students generally scored higher on the handwritten essay, suggesting that handwriting may promote deeper engagement, more focused attention, and potentially better organization of thoughts.

Typing Offers Practical Advantages

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 22:01:16 UTC

Most students preferred typing due to its ease, speed, and editing ability.

Typing is more closely related to academic and professional settings (e.g., AP exam, SAT, college papers, work emails or reports).

Individual Differences Matter

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 22:01:46 UTC

The focus students who were English Language Learners (ELL) benefited from the slower pace of handwriting.

The focus student who was neurodivergent scored lower on the handwritten assignment, perhaps due to the increased cognitive load and increased anxiety.

Student Voice Matters

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 22:02:12 UTC

Gathering student feedback is crucial for informing instruction and creating a more inclusive learning environment.

Balanced is Best

aferris6 — 2024-12-17 22:04:01 UTC

My key takeaway: Educators should consider a balanced approach to writing instruction, incorporating both handwriting and typing, to cater to diverse student needs and learning styles.