In the digital era, where embracing technology is no more a choice that we can make, sticking to conventional methods of learning and delivering can seem a little inconvenient and like a deterrent in the process, especially with students who are learning from gadgets. The increasing use of smartphones and laptops have only made the transition inevitable. Most of us see typing on a device as a go-to-method instead of finding a pen and paper to write or take notes. While most of the convenient options that technology offers are to be welcomed, some of these can also mean a slow diminishing of certain skills that we would rather not lose. So, is the keyboard actually mightier than the pen?

1. MAINTAINING THE SANCTITY OF
WRITING IN A DIGITAL ERA

2. PEN VS SMART GADGETS
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The increasing use of smartphones and laptops have made
the transition inevitable. Most of us see typing as a go-to-
method instead of finding a pen and paper to write or take
notes.
While most of the convenient options that technology offers
are to be welcomed, some of these can also mean a slow
diminishing of certain skills that we would rather not lose.

3. IS THE KEYBOARDMIGHTIERTHAN
PEN ?
Writing is undoubtedly a complex cognitive process involving fine motor
skills and neuro-sensory experiences.
From holding the writing equipment to feeling the writing surface and
directing precise movement with thought, it involves coordination and
skills that we have been able to master.
Some reasons why the pen might actually be mightier than the
keyboard …...
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4. Writing is a complex and tedious process that
requires us to understand what we hear and process
the information before making notes in a way that
makes sense to us.
While writing, the brain engages with the information
heard and actively processes it. This greatly
influences the learning process and comprehension.
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WRITING ENHANCES CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING

5. WRITING & MEMORY RECALL
● The age-old practice of writing repeatedly to
memorize the information is not a gimmick. Writing is
slower and time-consuming, its short-term and long-
term memory recall benefits are proven beyond
doubt
● When we write, we form memory cues in our brains
that aid in the recall by creating the context and
content from when the information was heard
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6. ● Writing involves creating spatial
relationships with each information we put
down on paper and activates our brain’s
thinking and working part, allowing us to
store and manage information.
● The hand movement is associated with
writing when we move the pen on paper and
even the soft sounds we hear as we write
helps in long-term memory.
WRITING BUILDSRELATIONSHIPS WITH MOMENTS
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THE PEN WINS WHENIT COMES TO CREATIVETHINKING!
● We are more likely to think critically and creatively when
writing as opposed to typing. Handwriting allows us to
think about what we are writing and expand our
thoughts and form connections with the words we write
● Using different colours further enhances this experience
by colour coding different contexts and forming varied
connections with each of them

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WHAT’S THE WAY FORWARD ?
At a time when digital pens are replacing ink pens, writers
should find ways to work with abstract ideas and develop
unconventional solutions. They should be capable to
articulate and write whether in pen or digital pen.
Learning to adopt both the practices is crucial for writers,
especially to those seeking to pursue a career in the field
of writing.

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...AND WENEEDTO STRIKEA FINEBALANCE
• When it comes to a battle between convenience and skills,
the pen undoubtedly triumphs over the keyboard
• With students now learning from gadgets, it is the collective
responsibility of educational institutions, parents, and
everyone in the academia to ensure that the current
generation of students do not lose the practice of writing
with a pen