"Take the Pencil out of the Process"

By: Leslie Broun

In the article, "Take the Pencil out of the Process", Leslie Broun uses her voice to discuss the importance of allowing children to use a keyboard for writing tasks as an alternative for handwriting/printing. Broun makes special reference to those children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities who often feel frustrated when having to perform various pieces of writing. She feels that students who are granted these accommodations may feel more capable and be able to express themselves better and more freely. Their responses are more likely to provide more words/longer sentences (Quantity) to provide higher quality performance in required writing tasks. 

Reading this article was extremely interesting from beginning to end. I was engaged right from the get-go!!! I found it very interesting to learn the background information of children with ASD and the way it impacts their motor abilities. Researchers have discovered that these motor difficulties are caused by the neuroanatomical differences and abnormalities of the cerebellum. There are two movement difficulties that are experienced by ASD children are Hypotonia (Low muscle tone and strength) and Apraxia (impairment in the ability to execute skilled movements despite having the physical ability and the desire to do so). These two conditions affect an individual's ability to use their hands and have significant impact on an individual's ability to hold and use writing implements. Reading this information has made me reflect on the various students I have witnessed struggling with these difficulties in the classroom. I think about the way they must have felt knowing that the person next to them was breezing right through while they sit there struggling to express their ideas on paper using a pencil. Why did we allow this to happen with the many accessible accommodations available? This article has enlightened me to always cautiously monitor students' working within the classroom environment. When we see the signs presented by Broun, it's important to stop and re-evaluate how we can help this child succeed.  It may be as simple as allowing a child to use a keyboard instead of a pencil. No harm in trying!!!!

I have been a Primary/Elementary Substitute teacher for 12 years. I have taught in all grade levels from K-6 including a few short-term replacements.  It is quite evident that technology is advancing and becoming a big part of our education system today. With these advancements, the "Pencil Vs. Keyboard" transition brings forth so much controversy. There are some people who are all for it, some who are totally against it and then some that have neutral/mixed feelings. I have heard things like "Allowing children to use a computer to write is making them lazy" and "I don't want my child to use technology to write because they need to develop the essential handwriting/printing skills." Whether we agree or disagree, as teachers, our best interest is to provide the best learning opportunities for our students to ensure that each and every child has equal opportunities to succeed and feel good about their work and achievements. If this means allowing students to express themselves using a keyboard rather than a pencil, then we MUST make it happen for the benefit of the child. 

I have experienced many children over the years who struggle with the writing process for so many reasons. Some of these reasons include students struggling with fine motor skills, letter formations, forming sentences, staying within the lines, and those students who have specific disabilities (ASD) that cause them to struggle in this particular area. In these circumstances, many children fail to meet their full potential due to not being able to get their answers, thoughts, and opinions on paper using a pencil BUT  is this fair to these students/children? As Broun mentions, the most important product is students knowing the answer to the questions or tasks and being able to communicate their thoughts and ideas in an effective manner. Students should not be penalized for the mode they used to communicate their answers and ideas. Students who are given the choice to accommodate their abilities and needs will feel more comfortable and confident to provide good quality answers with sufficient adequate quantity where they will be able to express themselves effectively.

This article was a great read, I absolutely enjoyed it from beginning to end as it was very easy to relate to as a growing teacher. I can only hope that teachers will be able to adjust to the assistive technology measures to accommodate diverse needs and abilities.

              "Fair is not giving everyone the same thing. Fairness is giving each person what they need to succeed"

While reading this article, I kept dwelling on this quote in my mind. Every child is different in their own unique ways. It's important to take the time to look at each child to understand what each child requires for them to meet their full potential. When a child is struggling in a specific area of the curriculum due to a disability (ASD) or weakness, I feel it is highly important for teachers to recognize his/her needs and be able to provide the child the appropriate tools, resources, and materials to ensure that they too are able to express themselves the same as any other child in the class.