Reviving Typewriters: A Unique Approach to Teaching and Learning

At Cornell University, Professor Grit Matthias Phelps has introduced a unique teaching method by incorporating manual typewriters into her German language classes. This initiative, which began in 2023, aims to combat the over-reliance on AI and digital tools by providing students with an 'analog' experience. By using typewriters, students are encouraged to engage more deeply with their writing assignments, free from the distractions of modern technology. This exercise not only teaches them about the mechanics of typewriters but also about the broader implications of focusing on a single task without digital interruptions.

Students like Ratchaphon Lertdamrongwong and Catherine Mong have found the experience both challenging and enlightening. The absence of digital aids forces them to think critically and interact more with their peers, fostering a more collaborative classroom environment. The physicality of typewriting, with its lack of a delete key and the need for manual corrections, requires students to be more deliberate in their writing process.

Despite the initial confusion and physical challenges, such as the strain on their fingers, students have embraced the assignment's imperfections as part of the learning process. For some, like Mong, the experience has sparked a newfound fascination with typewriters, leading to creative explorations in their writing style.

This approach is part of a broader trend in education to return to traditional methods to curb the influence of AI in academic work. By removing the convenience of digital tools, Phelps hopes to instill a deeper appreciation for the art of writing and the value of learning through mistakes.