We explore a central tension in AI and writing instruction: if educators want authentic student work, is handwriting really the answer?

Using research on handwriting versus typing, plus reflections on Chris Lehman’s argument for transparency in schools, we examine why a “return to the blue book” may create new problems instead of solving the old ones.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why concerns about AI-generated writing are pushing some schools back toward handwritten assessments
• What research says about handwriting, typing, memory, and composition
• The difference between writing for learning and writing for composing ideas
• Why handwritten work may disadvantage some students
• Equity concerns for students who rely on digital accommodations
• The tradeoffs between preventing AI misuse and preserving authentic writing practice
• Why transparency may be a better long-term strategy than banning tools
• What Science Leadership Academy’s policy approach can teach schools right now

Sources:

https://www.scribd.com/document/956588967/Att-I4-HF-Mtnl65BnxCQFqgKkCDxgIJY6v4LHufLYmnqy8

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguide/17

https://practicaltheory.org/blog/2026/03/07/ai-and-showing-our-work/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15823243/

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-04390-002

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-35383-001

http://frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945/full

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360131515300920

https://www.edweek.org/technology/teachers-turn-to-pen-and-paper-amid-ai-cheating-fears-survey-finds/2023/10