Thursday, July 14, 2011

"Cursive vs Typing" When does technology not advance society?

This is an age old dilemma, do we work ourselves out of jobs by being overly efficient?  As is the case with the "cursive writing being replaced with typing class" debate.  

There are two sides of the debate, actually, there are three, those who say "No, cursive is a thing of the past, as is handwriting in general.  Everything is typed and is clearer to read because of it."  Its a bold move that follows technology and shows the world how advanced the United States as become.

Then there are those who believe the ability to sign your name is sort of a critical thing.  I suppose you could learn to print a signature but really....is that your "signature" or is it just more sloppy printing?  Also, writing in cursive is faster...albeit not as legible.  And what of reading historical documentation with its wide looping letters?  Would you be able to read an older persons hand written note?

And then there are those who don't care either way.  Take my neighbor for example, his kids are all being raised on computers and he could care less if they can write in cursive.  I believe his family is the reason for the "all you can text" cell phone plans.    

Where do I stand on this debate?  I tend to think as long as a child can adequately sign their name, legibility print and type accurately that maybe cursive could be reserved for a calligraphy class later in life.

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