11/04/2025
Did you know that you may remember and learn more if you use paper and pen instead of a laptop for notes in class?
🧠 Study shows writing by hand increases brain connections that improve learning and memory — typing doesn't.
This doesn't bode well for our future.
Writing by hand activates the brain more deeply than typing, according to new research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Using high-density EEGs to monitor brain activity in 36 university students, researchers found that handwriting triggered significantly greater connectivity between multiple brain regions—networks essential for memory formation and learning. In contrast, typing on a keyboard generated much less neural activity, likely due to the repetitive and less tactile nature of pressing keys.
The findings suggest that the physical act of forming letters by hand supports stronger cognitive development and information retention.
Even though participants used a digital pen, the study's authors say the results reflect what happens with traditional pen and paper. This increased brain stimulation may explain why handwriting is linked to better spelling, reading, and memory skills, especially in young learners. The study supports growing efforts to reintroduce cursive instruction in schools and highlights the need to balance digital tools with handwriting practice in education.
While typing remains useful for certain tasks, such as longer writing assignments, the researchers emphasize that handwriting may offer irreplaceable cognitive benefits in the classroom.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), January 26, 2024.