The Newest Learning Tool? The Cell Phone

advanced34    Cell Phones, Technology, Text Messaging     communication, learning tool, student, Text Messaging

Yes, it is here. It is the age in which teachers use the ubiquitous cell phone as a tool in their classrooms. That is what one instructor at UNLV is doing to teach students about the English language.

Text messaging finds its roots in on-line instant messaging programs, but has emerged into a platform from which people send 1 billion text messages per year. Text messaging has what most languages have, it’s own dictionary which is being updated daily. This language has made its way into the everyday life of students everywhere.

Teachers have seen text-speak show up in tests in the form of”b/c” for because, “thx” for thanks and “4” instead of for. But, argue some, these appearances of text-speak may provide a valuable learning experience.

There are teachers who believe that a discussion about the differences between various slang and ‘standard English’ stemming from a student’s “text message instead of English” errors would be more than justified. The material would be more personal to the student than just a workbook page for example. That would make the lesson stick.

There are also students, to whom English is a second language. Some of these students explain that because text messaging is in English, it has helped them to use English more. Instead of a mix between their native language and English, as some of these students will speak, text messaging is all English.

Teachers have expressed however, that the act of text messaging itself is a distraction to the texting student, students around him/her and therefore the teacher, while in the classroom.

Text messaging is an easy and quick way to communicate with others. Students should take care however; to ensure that text-speak does not appear in their school work and to be considerate of others. The best way to do this can be as simple as a thorough proofreading of all assignments. This takes patience, time and effort, but will pay off greatly.

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