Gen Z vs Gen X: Handwriting Battle!

Concerns over student hand fatigue during exams are leading to discussions about introducing onscreen assessments. The exam regulator, Ofqual, is consulting on this significant shift, which could replace traditional pen-and-paper tests.

To explore the issue, a generational writing challenge was organized. Guardian columnist Zoe Williams, a seasoned writer with decades of experience using pen and paper, competed against George Francis Lee, a younger journalist representing the digital native generation. The contest aimed to determine who could maintain handwriting for longer periods before experiencing discomfort or cramp.

The experiment revealed that while digital natives may complain of fatigue, Williams, despite her extensive practice, was not significantly faster or more enduring than Lee. This outcome raises questions about the perceived advantages of traditional handwriting skills in the modern era.