A Dynamic Approach to Teaching Handwriting Skills

Abstract

A computer-based system for teaching handwriting skills has been developed, using a graphic display screen and a hand-held "pen." The system is such that exercises can be completed only by executing the required sequence of strokes in the specified order and direction and within a preset accuracy. In the simplest presentation, a thin guideline is displayed for each stroke in turn. The computer responds to correct pen movements by leaving a thicker track behind. Incorrect pen movements are ignored and a blinking spot calls attention to the point where the pen should be. The resultant visual pattern is the teacher’s well-formed example rather than the student’s actual strokes, thus reinforcing the appearance of the desired result rather than the student’s possibly ill-formed attempts. The system emphasizes the process used in creating cursive writing as well as the appearance of the product and, in one application, has been used to teach fluent signatures to intellectually handicapped students.