Response to ‘Penmanship becoming a lost art?’

I think that’s an interesting video clip, Clint. Thanks for sharing. We’ve talked a bit about this issue in class, and while I see the importance of learning to use a keyboard, I highly value the ability to hand write in general. I think it’s still important to teach our ESL students how to hand write their letters and words and sentences and essays. There are still numerous uses for having good hand-writing, including applications, medical forms/paperwork, and even the joy of journaling. This is a tough issue, though, because there are many applications online and doctor’s offices going to computer use but I’ll be honest, I keep a journal about Cason typed up and saved in my computer.

Does anyone know if ESL computer/keyboard classes are offered or required? I might be way behind the times in asking that question. Didn’t most of you have a keyboarding class in junior high or high school? My ideas on the issue boil down to the fact that I think we need to keep hand writing around, but I also think students should be taught how to type as well.