Instant Messaging: Friend of Foe of Student Writing?

This article looked at the increasing problem of 'text' or 'IM' speak ever creeping into the classroom. Writing a paper with proper English and correct spelling and grammar has always been a challenge and one we as teachers strive to teach. However, with technology of cell phones and IM chats on computers more readily available to students, it is easy to see how the usage of these shortened words and phrases can now replace proper English. When the students are not in regular practice of writing and thinking in a certain way, it can only be expected that they do what is natural and easy... IM speak!

Within this article it is mentioned that students do not know the difference between formal and informal writing. I absolutely agree. I have seen and even had a conversation with a student in which the words are shorted, abbreviated, and the proper use is altogether lost. When there are kids out there that think U is really how one spells YOU, then we have a problem. I will leave you with this from the article that sums up how relaxed students have become with writing and speech, not aware of the blatant informality of it due to the increase of technology in their lives:

Carl Sharp's 15-year old son's summer job application read "i want 2 b a counselor because i love 2 work with kids"