Next Steps for Handwriting Recognition:

Wouldn't it be nice to have a tablet or sensor that would translate (and save) handwriting to text using a pen/pencil on paper in real time?

Other technological approaches might require a photo sensor screen or a pressure sensor (much like the old palm screens). Will existing technologies develop apps for such an application? For example, could infrared sensors (like the Leap) and sensitive cameras (current XBox) do the same thing?

Background:  Many students hate writing because of the negative feedback they get about their handwriting.  Many students choose typing or voice recognition as an alternative.  However, for better or worse, the writing process is fundamentally different when using these modalities. 
(Please submit relevant research articles on this topic in the comments section below)
ex:  http://ldq.sagepub.com/content/22/3/173.short

Theoretically, as handwriting recognition software becomes more sophisticated, (much like speech recognition) this would enable the writer to slowly create his/her own unique symbol form.  This would have implications for students with a variety of different disabilities:  dysgraphia, orthopedic impairment, vision impairment, autism.  It would most likely help others with poor handwriting and those that want to make handwriting more efficient.

Sony says the Xperia Z Ultra's handwriting recognition feature will work with any regular pencil or pen.




We shall see how this plays out. Unti then the above technology looks promising. There is also Evernote (and a handful of others) that have handwriting recognition software. The MS Surface Pro and some of the Android phones come with some with nice HW recognition features. But the technology still has a way to go before being seamless.
related links:
http://www.christopher-mayo.com/?p=876
http://www.cnet.com/how-to/get-the-handwriting-feature-in-evernote-for-android/
http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/hanwang-pen-tablet-offers-voice-correction/