What is the story about?
Cornell University German language instructor Grit Matthias Phelps has introduced manual typewriters into her classroom to address the growing reliance
on generative AI for student assignments. This initiative, which began in spring 2023, aims to help students experience the challenges of writing without digital aids. Phelps' approach encourages students to engage in writing as it was done before the digital age, eliminating the use of screens, spellcheckers, and online dictionaries. By utilizing vintage typewriters, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the writing process and the importance of original thought.
Reviving Analog Techniques in Education
The assignment has sparked interest as it coincides with a national trend toward more traditional testing methods, including in-class exams without digital devices. Phelps collected a number of typewriters from thrift shops and online marketplaces to implement her 'analog' assignment.Students initially reacted with confusion when they entered the classroom to find typewriters instead of computers. Freshman Catherine Mong remarked on her unfamiliarity with typewriters, stating, 'I had seen typewriters in movies, but they don’t tell you how a typewriter works.'
Understanding the Craft of Writing
Phelps emphasized the importance of slowing down the writing process, noting that the typewriter encourages students to focus on one task at a time. She often involves her children in the class to help monitor device usage and maintain an environment free of digital distractions.Computer science major Ratchaphon Lertdamrongwong shared that writing with a typewriter required more interaction with his classmates, saying, 'While writing the essay, I had to talk a lot more, socialize a lot more, which I guess was normal back then.'
Challenges and Learning Experiences
Students faced various challenges while using the typewriters, with many struggling to type efficiently due to a lack of experience. Mong, who had a broken wrist, found the assignment particularly challenging but rewarding, stating, 'This thing I handed in had pencil marks all over it and definitely did not look clean or finished.'Despite the difficulties, she embraced the imperfections of her work, noting that the process of making mistakes is an essential part of learning. Mong expressed her fascination with typewriters, stating, 'I told all my friends, I did a German test on a typewriter!'
