Drop Box Article

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The article Is Texting Good for Teenagers by Kelsey Sands describes the impact texting has on adolescence language skills.  I was astounded to learn that the average teen sends at least 2,500 texts each month.  This is an overwhelming amount of time spent on texting.  There are educators who feel that texting can have a positive influence on students writing skills and those who feel the opposite.

Many educators feel that the content of what teens are texting is the problem.  Traditional syntax is not being used in texts and teens are creating a nontraditional form of the English language. Recent studies from California State University have shown that texting can actually help students in the classroom.  There is a possibility that texting can be incorporated into instruction.  This can be done so in an informal way.  For example, having students comment and provide feedback on various forms of writing or classmate’s work.  

A study by CSU research believes that, "text-speak isn't some type of English language gibberish, but is a form of second language having its own style, and it also builds students' language skills." I agree with this statement in that texting has created a “second language” and language skills can be developed through this second language.  I can see how phonetic awareness is being developed with the use of short hand and abbreviations, but that spelling skills are not being developed at all.  I feel that the use of abbreviations and short hand will have a negative impact on teen’s ability to spell words correctly. 

The article states that, “Kids surveyed by a N.C. magazine said "they'll routinely text message their friends at nighttime when they have important questions about school work or about when assignments are due."  This is a great way for students to collaborate and help each other with all academic assignments.  The availability texting provides students allows them instantaneous feedback and help.   A study done in England stated that texting helps students distinguish rhymes and language patterns and this can help improve literacy proficiencies.  I definitely agree that rhyme and language patterns can be developed through texting.  It requires the students to find a different way of writing or saying something.  For example, phonetic sounds are being relayed in a different way ( gr8).  This is creating an opportunity for students to look at a language pattern and then creatively transform that pattern into something different and shorter.  If anything, texting is allowing a wide window for creative thinking.

Overall, I can see both the negative and positive affects of texting.  In regards to developing language skills I can see the positive aspects more than the negative ones.  The negative impact is related to physical and social well being more so than teens developing language skills.