The digital transformation has ignited a strong dilemma on the value of handwriting learn as already discussed in the first part of this piece titled, “Digital Transformation and the Imperative of Handwriting in Learning.” In recent years, the world has been swept by the wave of digital transformation (DT), which fundamentally is altering how we work, communicate, and learn.
While technology has introduced countless innovations that promise to enhance educational systems globally, the discussion surrounding the impact of digital tools on traditional learning methods, particularly handwriting has become an urgent topic of debate. In the face of pervasive digitization, one might wonder: Does handwriting still hold a place in a world increasingly dominated by technology?
For many African nations, including Nigeria, this question takes on even greater importance. With the explosion of mobile phones, laptops, and tablets across the continent, digital learning is advancing at a rapid pace. But amidst this technological revolution, the value of handwriting as a cognitive skill, particularly in tertiary education, must not be overlooked.
In this follow-up article, we will explore the vital role of handwriting in learning, examine how digital transformation is reshaping this practice, and argue why African students, especially those in Nigerian universities, should continue to embrace the power of handwriting as part of their academic journey.
The Cognitive Benefits of Handwriting in Learning
In the earlier piece, we have recanted the implications of digital transformation, it’s essential to understand why handwriting remains a crucial tool for learning, even in the digital age. Studies have shown that writing by hand helps to reinforce learning in ways that typing cannot replicate. For example, handwriting has been linked to better retention and deeper understanding of content.
According to research by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014), students who take notes by hand tend to process information more thoroughly, leading to superior recall and better comprehension. The study concluded that writing by hand requires more mental effort, which encourages the brain to engage actively with the material. This engagement leads to more critical thinking and a better grasp of the subject matter. The study’s findings are particularly relevant in the context of African students who are navigating an evolving educational environment and striving to excel despite systemic challenges, and I posit that handwriting provides a direct cognitive benefit that goes beyond the mere act of writing.
In addition to improving memory retention, handwriting helps develop fine motor skills and enhances the neurological connections between the brain and the body. For tertiary students, these are foundational skills that support a range of higher-level cognitive tasks, from critical analysis to creativity. When one writes, the brain experiences a mental workout, forming more intricate neural pathways than when typing on a keyboard.
The Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Handwriting
While digital transformation has brought undeniable advancements in the learning process, it has also led to significant shifts in how students engage with information. The widespread adoption of laptops, tablets, and smartphones in African classrooms, particularly in Nigerian tertiary institutions, has changed the way students take notes, organize materials, and access resources for study.
At first glance, the integration of digital devices might seem like a step toward efficiency and modernity since students can access vast amounts of information online, collaborate more easily, and use digital tools to streamline their work. However, the shift to digital tools has led to concerns that the art of handwriting, that is once central to the academic process has gradually been sidelined.
A growing body of evidence suggests that digital devices, while powerful, do not engage the brain in the same way as handwriting. Studies indicate that typing on keyboards is more automatic and less cognitively demanding than writing by hand, making it easier for students to simply transcribe information without actively thinking about it. This shift has led to a situation where students might be producing more words on a screen but understanding less of what they are writing.
In Nigeria, where the digital divide remains a pressing issue, the unequal access to reliable internet and digital tools further complicates matters and may likely be advantageous for those who does not have access to such devices. While many university students in urban areas benefit from modern technology, those in more rural regions may still face barriers such as unreliable internet access, electricity, and limited access to devices. In these contexts, handwriting remains a more accessible and efficient method for capturing and processing information.
The Importance of Handwriting in the Nigerian Educational Context
Nigeria, as one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic nations, is at the crossroads of embracing digital transformation while still grappling with significant challenges in its education sector. While many tertiary institutions in Nigeria have introduced e-learning tools, such as online platforms and digital libraries, handwritten work remains the foundation of academic excellence in many subjects.
The JAMB has introduced CBT for the entrance exams, while it was widely reported in the news that WAEC would soon start deploying CBT for its final exams. All these initiatives are great, and it is following the currency of trend in the education ecosystem, however, in the Nigerian higher education system, exams and assignments are still largely paper-based, requiring students to write essays and take handwritten exams. Given the persistence of the exam system, students who rely solely on digital methods of note-taking may find themselves at a disadvantage when faced with pen-and-paper assessments.
Furthermore, many research papers, dissertations, and projects still require substantial handwritten components in their drafts and final submissions. At a recent workshop by University of Lagos, a policy of regulating the use of AI in academics is in the works, and the release of such policy will surely assist student not just to rely on ‘qwerty’ of their keyboards, but rather to put pen to paper through thoughtful process on cognitive reasoning that produces genuine academic work of repute.
Moreover, the importance of handwriting in higher education extends beyond assessments. It also plays a key role in self-regulated learning. Students who use handwriting to organize their thoughts are better equipped to synthesize information and develop arguments for their research or academic writing. This process is invaluable when developing critical thinking skills, a needful skill that is crucial not only in academia but also in professional life.
Why Tertiary Students Should Embrace Handwriting in the Digital Age
It is easy to get swept away by the allure of digital technology, but for Nigerian tertiary students, handwriting remains an indispensable part of the academic experience. While digital tools offer incredible advantages, they should not replace traditional practices that have stood the test of time.
There is an urgent need for students, especially those in universities, to continue practicing handwriting as part of their academic routines. This can help them:
-
- Boost retention and understanding: Engaging with handwritten notes allows for deeper processing of material, which enhances recall and understanding in exams.
- Improve cognitive development: Handwriting helps to strengthen neural connections, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ensure preparedness for handwritten assessments: Students must be ready for exams that still require handwriting. Writing by hand also helps students avoid distractions that digital devices often introduce.
- Enhance creativity: The act of handwriting often sparks creativity, as it allows for freer expression of thoughts and ideas without the limitations of digital tools.
What Needs to Be Done: Recommendations for Policymakers and Educators
As digital transformation continues to reshape the global educational landscape, there is a need to strike a balance between embracing technology and maintaining the cognitive benefits of handwriting. For Nigeria and other African nations, policymakers, administrators, and educators should consider the following actions:
-
- Integrate digital and handwritten methods:
Universities should encourage a hybrid approach where students use both handwritten and digital methods to take notes, write papers, and engage in learning. This approach will help students leverage the strengths of both worlds.
-
- Invest in digital literacy alongside handwriting education:
While introducing digital tools and e-learning platforms is essential, there should also be a continued emphasis on handwriting education in schools and universities.
-
- Promote the value of handwriting in curriculum design:
Handwriting should not be seen as outdated or irrelevant. Educators should highlight the cognitive benefits of handwriting, integrating it into course assignments, note-taking, and learning strategies.
-
- Ensure equitable access to technology:
In regions where digital access is limited, it is critical to provide students with the resources needed to engage in both handwritten and digital learning methods.
Conclusion
This piece is a call to action for students and educators. In the face of an increasingly digital world, it is essential that Nigerian tertiary students and their counterparts across Africa continue to embrace the enduring power of handwriting. The combination of handwriting with modern technological tools provides a more holistic approach to learning, one that fosters cognitive growth, improves retention, and enhances academic performance.
To the students especially, I challenge you, please don’t abandon your pen in the pursuit of the keyboard. The future of education and success lies in your ability to adapt and integrate traditional and modern tools. You have the power to harness the best of both worlds and position yourself for success in the evolving digital age.
