5 Myths About Writing With Mobile Devices – Edudemic

I scooped this initially because I am interested in the relative value of writing as opposed to word-processing. There is no doubt that the student in today’s classroom writes much less, hence out concern about the ability of students to communicate their learning in examination situations. This concern is misplaced, however – the brain-dump has never been particularly valued in the exam room and the Board’s research suggests that 800–1000 words is probably optimal for a legible, concise and intelligent Band 6. They need to be able to write, but not write like us ancient types did.

So that disposes of the first objection to word processing, or indeed to writing on mobile devices. This article certainly attacks the notion that one can’t write in extended forms on a mobile device (more value judgements in that sentence, by the way!!). My championing of the iPad comes from a number of sources, often connected with the ability of students with a tablet to move around with it, converse with others face-to-face, interact more effectively with the teacher, all sorts of important aspects of social learing. One factor that has always been in the back of my mind, however, has been that an ipad can co-exist on a desk with a writing pad. Writing, it seems, has some significant cognitive benefits. Without quoting all the research, read this review:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704631504575531932754922518.html