Have students forgotten how to write as they spend so much time texting?

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

 

Some defend it as a quick and easy way to communicate.

 

Some say the true message is lost when the recipient cannot understand it, therefore, does not clearly grasp what the sender was trying to say.

 

Some say that if a child cannot read, the constant use of text language is detrimental to the acquisition of language necessary to develop the skill of reading.

 

Some say that those who use it all the time are lazy.

 

Regardless of whether you agree with texting or not, it is important that adults help students understand proper text etiquette. Mobile phones, computers, and modern technology are here to stay. They are an integral part of society that allows not only students, but everyone, to compete in a global society. As the beginning of a new school year draws closer, and, many students have not written or read a complete sentence all summer, here are some tips that teachers, parents, and the whole village responsible for raising a child, can employ to insure the student’s successful use and command of the English language.

 

·         Explain to students when and where text language use is appropriate. Save this casual form of communication for friends and family. Do not allow the use of text language in papers, applications, and important conversations.

·         Set the example when responding to students. If adults use text language constantly, so will students. Do not respond or mark student papers using it.

·         Encourage the use of correct grammar and punctuation. Remind students that writing in all capital letters is the equivalent of yelling.

·         Never use text language in the case of an emergency. Not everyone understands or uses it. Precious seconds lost trying to decipher a message could be the difference between life and death.

·         Teach and be taught. Just as adults want to learn text language so they may understand the youth of today, insist that youths learn proper English so they may communicate and be understood in a global society.

·         Remind older students to never text while driving.

 

It’s hip. It’s cool. It’s fast. Everyone is doing it. Regardless of the reasons why a student uses text language, everyone should have proper command of the English language. It’s okay for students to use text language. They just need to know when. All the adults in the village have a responsibility to teach them.

 

Oh, by the way, the first sentence in this article is: I know you don’t know me.

 

C u l8tr (See you later)!