Instant Messaging: Friend or Foe of Student Writing?.
New Horizons for Learning. Retrieved on 8th Mar, 2009 from
http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/literacy/oconnor.htm
SUMMARY
The article was discussing about the effects of instant messaging academically. First of all, the author pointed out the problem of "Internet English" as a breakdown of English language. Students who are frequently using instant messaging are facing the problem of bad grammar, poor punctuation, shorten words and improper abbreviations in academic writing. They are so used to it as they read in instant messaging from their friends so frequently. However, on the other hand, researches found that not only are students writing more than they have in years, but they are also revising and editing as well. It might be true that students write whatever that pops up in mind but many of them read over, reword again and again before sending out the messages to minimises mistakes in language. Due to these two concerns, the author went to a more in-depth discussion of IM and its relationship to academic writing, including strategies implemented by actual classroom teachers. She debated in both sides that instant messaging could be a learning tool for students to brainstorm thoughts and develop intelligent chatting. However, students were needed to be reminded explicitly that standard English is to be used in written paper. Most students would understand the difference. She concluded that it is not possible to determine specifically the effects of instant messaging on formal writing. However, IM is becoming an important literacy in kids' lives, and consequently one that needs to be recognized by teachers.
QUESTIONS
Does IM help in improving the standard of English language, like say one chats with another who has higher English language level?
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