Assorted Tech-related Ramblings...

Many of my students use technology for writing in some way or another. For many of my students this simply involves using Microsoft Word to type up essays and reports. The vast majority of my students write messages to one another using technology, whether through texting or the use of social networking sites. Two major concerns I have with regard to technology and my students relate to (a) the role of “online lingo” in classrooms and (b) the use of everyday technologies like cell phones, i-Pods, or Sidekicks in the classroom.

I had significant exposure to “online lingo” from a relatively early age. When I was 14 years old, I’d spend upwards of 3-4 hours each day chatting with friends over AIM. This didn’t really change the way I communicated in the “real” world, though; even online, I very seldom use abbreviations or shortcuts in my language, so things like “LOL” never make their way into my vernacular (except in purely ironic contexts). I’ve always thought that abbreviations aren’t really rich enough to express thoughts, ideas and emotions, so I shy away from them unless I’m trying to take notes in shorthand. As a result, I’m fairly resistant to the idea that “text speak” should be considered acceptable in the classroom; even though I’m sure my students view it as a valid means of expression, some pretentious, crotchety, linguistically conservative part of me wants to wretch every time I hear someone say “BRB” or “TTYL” out loud.

In my literacy class at City College, our professor as well as many of the students seem to think that simply because most of our students are always hooked up to technology and texting one another, that we should necessarily be working this into our classes. If the kids like to use their cell phones and T-Mobile Sidekicks, then we should try to tailor our instruction to this. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I completely agree that my students will be more engaged if my instruction is tailored to their interests. On the other hand, I don’t want students to feel as though I’m condoning the constant use of electronic devices in my classroom. As it stands currently, portable electronic devices are one of the biggest distractions in my classroom. Students who have these with them seem to not care at all about what’s going on around them; they only care about the text message they’re typing, the game they’re playing, or the song they’re listening to. The portability of technology has left adolescents in need of a seemingly constant stream of sensory stimulus; they want to consume more and more without ever stopping to digest what’s coming in. By tailoring my lessons to this kind of technology, I’d almost feel like I was sleeping with the enemy. Just because my students are universally interested in something, does this mean I should necessarily welcome it into my classroom? I’m kind of riding the fence on this one…