Writing words down increases connectivity linked to memory and learning between different areas of the brain, with the same not being true when things are typed out on a computer
By Chen Ly
Writing something down rather than typing it on a computer could help you retain the information better, after researchers found putting pen to paper boosts connectivity between different areas of the brain.
Using a keyboard – whether on a computer, laptop or smartphone – is a relatively quick and easy way to write. Already standard in offices, some students are increasingly using computers and laptops at school.
But these modes of writing are very different, says Audrey van der Meer at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. “When you type on the keyboard, you only make very simple finger movements towards the keys and they’re exactly the same movements for every letter you want to write.”
When writing by hand, you have to make detailed motions that are unique to each letter, she says.
“Handwriting uses more senses and the body is more involved,” says van der Meer. “That means more of the brain is active and there needs to be communication between these active parts.”
“It’s obviously much easier to use a computer and keyboard, but sometimes it’s better to take notes by hand,” says van der Meer.