Literacy Technology: The Pen is Mightier than the Pencil

One of the things that bothered me most about math classes (outside of the actual doing of the math) was the fact that we HAD to use pencil. Pens were completely unacceptable and if used on homework assignments or quizzes, the teacher would not accept it. This was justified by saying that they did not want scratched out mistakes, as math is a trial-and-error process. This is a mindset I never understood. If there is anything that is trial based, it is the writing process. And the “scratched out mistakes” are the ones that show us our growth and development. After reading Barron I’ve noticed that my preference for pens is more natural than technological. I like how smooth it flows when I’m writing  and the fact that it lets me reflect on my process. Now that I no longer take math classes,  I still have the same dilemma with tech-based writing classes. I don’t think typing has the same effect as handwritten drafts. I understand that this is a personal thing but for me handwriting allows you to make the “mistakes” necessary the formulate your best thoughts. I don’t think we should this regarded as a writing technology especially in this day and age but I do think we should start with the classic pen/pencil.