Project 1 intro and conversation

                In an ever changing, technologically dependent world, texting is a form of communication present today that cannot be overlooked. Many oppose the idea that texting is a good form of communication, mostly because of the inadequate spelling and grammar present in most text messaging scenarios. However, this is not always the assumption. At East Tennessee State University, Rosalind Raymond Gann, Karin Bartoszuk, and Jillian H. Anderson conducted a study of undergraduate students to see if there was a correlation between texting language and the quality of grammar in their work. Their study showed that even though they all used text messaging on a daily basis, it did not have any negative effects on their writing for class. Therefore, this study and other research shows that the construct that many educators and grammar enthusiasts have about texting affecting a person's grammar are not necessarily true.
                 Some actually suggest that texting may be helpful to a person's grammar and spelling skills. According to Anne Trubek in her article "Txting 2 Lrn" she describes how using these shorter words may actually help improve reading and phonology skills, particularly in children. She also argues that being familiar with text language can also help students to take more efficient, yet still effective notes in class. This can be a useful skill to have, especially in fast paced college courses.
                  Therefore, the misconception that texting is always harmful to grammar and spelling skills is not always relevant. Those who are taught to use grammar well will do so in their papers, and will also be able to use effectively fast communication when in the text messaging setting. This was proven once again in a study done by  Latisha Asmaak Shafie, Norizul Azida, and Nazira Osman at the Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis in Malaysia. Even though this was not an American study, the results were the same. Those students who communicated in text messages during their spare time were just as able to write quality papers as those who did not text.


Note: I do have two other sources, among those listed below. I just was not sure how to work them into this because they all are saying different variations of the same thing, so it sounded a bit redundant and sloppy when I tried to use all five in just this introduction. I do feel like this introduction is a little short, but I wasn't sure how to lengthen it too much without getting into the rest of my paper. I know this is certainly far from perfect, so if you have any suggestions they will be greatly appreciated! - Alicia

Sources

Drouin, Michelle, and Claire Davis. "R U Txting? Is The Use Of Text Speak Hurting Your Literacy?." Journal Of Literacy Research 41.1 (2009): 46-67. ERIC. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.

Shafie, Latisha Asmaak, Norizul Azida, and Nazira Osman. "SMS Language And College Writing: The Languages Of The College Texters." International Journal Of Emerging Technologies In Learning 5.1 (2010): 26-31. Education Research Complete. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.

Trubek, Anne. "Txting 2 Lrn." Instructor 121.5 (2012): 49. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.

Gann, Rosalind Raymond, Karin Bartoszuk, and Jillian H. Anderson. "If U Txt 2 Much, Duz It Mean U Cant Spell: Exploring The Connection Between SMS Use And Lowered Performance In Spelling." International Journal Of The Book 7.2 (2010): 69-77. Humanities International Complete. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.

"Using Textisms Is Gd 4 U." New Scientist 201.2696 (2009): 17. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.