An issue that often comes up with online writing assignments has to do with the changes in everyday writing associated with e-mail and texting. The latter in particular has popularized a number of acronyms and shortcuts that save time and money for those without unlimited texting. The phenomenon goes back much further than I thought, to the days of Internet Relay Chats and early Usenet bulletin boards. It also has a name, leet or leetspeak. Or in symbols, 1337. You can read much more than you probably want in the Wikipedia entry on leet.
While it is not likely that we would see students using the extreme forms of leet, poor grammar and acronyms do appear on a regular basis. What to do? The first thing is to determine if this is okay with you. Are there certain assignments where leetspeak is acceptable? Maybe on discussion boards? Then, address the issue with students. When is leetspeak okay? Perhaps your answer is never when it comes to class writing. The key is to make your expectations clear.
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I definitely see "leet" speak on a daily basis from my students. I think it is really interesting to me that they communicate with their professors as if they are talking to their best friend---I would have never done that when I was an undergraduate not that long ago.
ReplyDeleteHave student attitudes about respect towards faculty members changed in the sense that we now think we have to tell people to write in proper English in emails to us? What is it about today's student that is different versus one five or ten years ago---yes, text messaging is more common but ten years ago it was IMing and I don't think that there were as many issues with this.
I always think that making expectations clear to our students is the way to go, but can that backfire? Will a student be upset that a professor told them about their email discourse? I think that I would be a little insulted about it, especially because I think it is such a horrible practice.
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ReplyDeleteI try to watch myself when I text and email my friends, because I find myself almost sending the same kind of emails to my professors and bosses.
ReplyDeleteI think it is acceptable to mention communication style preference when telling students your expectations for the class. You would be amazed to see papers written by students reflecting excessive use of leet speak. Maybe one day it will be acceptable to communicate that way, until then students have to learn to draw the line and learn to switch back and forth when they are making formal communication. Students end up shooting themselves in the foot when they graduate and can't write memos etc without sounding un-serious (for a lack of better words).