Handwriting in Young Adults in an Era of Technological Advancements

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate handwriting and technology as methods for note-taking in the post-secondary classroom, handwriting in daily life, and perceptions of handwriting instruction, both print and cursive, in young adult post-secondary students. Based on the current use of handwriting for note-taking and personal tasks in young adults, is handwriting an important skill which should continue to be taught in the primary classroom? The study utilized a web-based survey given to current students at East Carolina University. Question formats included Likert scale, sorting, multiple choice and open ended. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 1800 East Carolina University students, 106 young adult responses were analyzed. Results revealed handwriting is the most common note-taking method, used by 72.7% of students for 75-100% of the classroom experience. Furthermore, participants reported handwriting instruction is an important component of the primary education. Statistical chi square analysis revealed no statistically significant correlations between groups of post-secondary students based on gender and handwriting grasps. Occupational therapists and teachers can utilize this information to consider the importance of continuing to support handwriting instruction and making it a greater priority in the primary classroom as handwriting was found to have educational and personal relevance while achieving a post-secondary education.