Digital native students lack basic computer skills, education expert says
Despite devices often being introduced to the classroom in the early years of primary school, research shows children still write to a higher quality on pen and paper.
Education expert Emily Lockwood has observed that today's "digital native" students often lack fundamental computer skills, despite growing up surrounded by technology. Ms Lockwood noted that her own children, while familiar with devices, struggle to type proficiently on a keyboard. This reluctance to teach basic computer skills is due to teachers' expectations to integrate technology across various subjects, which can be overwhelming.
Unlike typing, handwriting remains superior for producing higher-quality writing, according to research by Edith Cowan University education lecturer Anabela Malpique. Malpique believes that explicit teaching of computer skills is essential, similar to the way reading, writing, and math are taught. However, students are expected to take NAPLAN tests, which are administered on computers, from year 5 onward.
This abrupt shift from paper-based tests to computer-based exams may negatively impact writing results. NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, has suggested reverting the writing section of NAPLAN to traditional pen and paper tests for all year levels. Teachers report spending more time and effort on paper-based writing skills due to a shortage of training and resources.
The cognitive benefits of learning handwriting are well-documented, yet there is a lack of research on the optimal approach to computer-based writing for children.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
