(Mis)Uses of Technology

(Mis)Uses of Technology

by Mike Masnick




Student Writes Essay In Text Message Form

from the teacher-baffled dept

With just a little stretching you could probably turn this article into something you'd find in the Onion. We've had articles in the past about teachers getting annoyed with students using "texting shorthand" in their papers, but now a teacher was flabbergasted to receive an entire paper written in texting shorthand, which the teacher found impossible to read. The teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, was quoted as saying, "I could not believe what I was seeing. The page was riddled with hieroglyphics, many of which I simply could not translate." Of course, this is bringing English teachers out of the woodwork complaining about how text messaging is destroying the language. I think people get too worried about these things. Languages change over time. However, that doesn't mean students can't be taught when it is (and isn't) appropriate to use such "advancements".

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  1. Mar 3rd, 2003 @ 1:39pm

    If This Is Our Future....

    by Fred

    ...then the end is near. Gawd. First the grammar and spell check crutch; now this. Before long, the apes from which we sprang will have a more elegant vocabulary.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  2. Jun 29th, 2004 @ 8:35am

    No Subject Given

    by Joe Miller

    Texting isn't the problem. In Ontario Canada, teachers are not allowed to teach children grammar in school, for fear of "stunting the child's creativity".
    Handwriting isn't the issue. The problem is that whether it's written or typed, children don't know the difference between a noun and a verb, nevermind putting together a correctly formed sentence.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  3. Jun 29th, 2004 @ 11:01am

    Re: No Subject Given

    Don't be silly, grammar is still part of the elementary curriculum in Ontario. If you're concerned that your children aren't being taught proper grammar have a talk with their teachers or the principal. I know I certainly would if I found out they weren't teaching decent language skills.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  4. Aug 25th, 2004 @ 2:37pm

    Re: No Subject Given

    by Rebecca

    I have a question. Does it matter what kind of writing is used? One of my students were afraid that it would have to be done in cursive.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  5. Jan 27th, 2007 @ 11:37am

    Re: No Subject Given

    by Chloe Muse

    That is true though, at my school we work all the time on grammar and my friends and I can define all of the different forms of grammar, BUT if I was asked to use them in a sentence I can only show a handful. Labeling a sentence is horrid I would never havve mad it through english if not for vocabulary. At my school my friends and I have problems with getting all our thoughts on to the paper and staying on task. It is RARE for us to go a whole class period without screwing around somehow. Even though I am one of them, I know it has effected me in both positive and negative ways. I love text messages, AIM, Facebook, and Myspace don't get me wrong but I have also noticed that my friends and I spend about 10 times more time in these areas then we do or studies and at least 10 times thought in how to cut the corners in school rather than learn the material.


    and sorry about the spelling, hah one of my major downfalls.

    oh and I am in 10th grade, in most of our classes at least five people are texting under their desk during class. and that is just our grade.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  6. Jun 22nd, 2007 @ 9:35pm

    I'm writing a paper, and would love some input :o)

    by Megan

    I am writing a paper on the topic of text messaging, Facebook, Myspace... since they are such a huge growing trend. I'm interested in hearing some more opinions on the break down of our children's grammar. Also, what do you think makes text messaging so popular? Do you find it easier to talk to other's in writing? Is it to avoid long conversations? Would you rather a quick consise answer to your questions? Is it the antisipation of waiting for a reply? Would you rather speak to your friends this way, or do you find you talk on the phone just as often? Do you think that the text messaging, facebook trend is contributing in a positive way or actually hindering our society?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  7. Jul 17th, 2008 @ 11:01pm
    by Lee

    I am writing a paper on the topic of text messaging, Facebook, Myspace
    ......please resend the paper to www.essays.org , It would be nice piece to share.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  8. Feb 3rd, 2009 @ 7:56pm
    by Liz

    I refuse to respond to any text message in short hand. I don't understand it. I'm 19, I'm part of the generation that's suppose to have all this insanity come natural. I have a true fear that our civilization will allow this crappy text short hand to become the norm. Can you imagine filling out your tax returns with all of the questions in short hand? How about those rediculous phone contracts, like they aren't hard enough to comprehend. Stop signs drop the o and become Stp signs. Who needs Publix or Sweetbay when you can have Pbx and SwtBy? I vote we bring back corpral punishment and allow english teachers to beat the idiotic students who think they can turn in essays in such a format. Failing the student is not enough.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

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    by yoyo

    It's not so simply to do a smashing already written essay, especially if you are booked. I advise you to set buy a custom essay and to be spare from discredit that your work will be done by paper writing service

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  10. Jul 23rd, 2009 @ 2:36am

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    by Andrew Lukas

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  13. Oct 10th, 2009 @ 4:25am
    by Souter

    I’m part of the making that does suppose to have all this insanity come natural. I have a true fear that our people will agree to this crappy text fake college diploma short hand to become the norm. Can you envision filling out your tax income with all of the questions in short hand? How about those silly phone contracts, like they aren't hard enough to comprehend.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

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  15. Oct 25th, 2009 @ 7:00am

    i hate sms language

    by Faraz Khan

    I can totally relate to this. I am an English teacher at my local school and am tired of checking homeworks written in sms language.

    -faraz from best blu ray ripper

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

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