http://www.pens.com/blog/the-benefits-of-handwriting-vs-typing/
This article is a further reminder of the importance of learning to write in cursive. Enough research exists to link the learning of cursive writing, to effective learning, i.e. children and students who take down notes by writing them learn more effectively than those taking down notes via an Ipad, tablet or other electronic means.
Research conducted by Berninger (University of Washington) and Veray (University of Marseilles), showed that different brain activity occurs when a child writes and when a child types. Dehaene’s research indicates that handwriting stimulates the activation of neural pathways in the brain which facilitates learning. James (2012) in her study of brain function during the writing process in young children found that children who draw letters freehand showed increased activity in the three areas of the brain which are engaged when an adult reads and writes. The same test conducted using typing or tracing showed no evidence of such brain activity.
Teach children to write in cursive, even if only to encourage effective learning.