More than 75 billion text messages are sent a month in the United States; the most avid texters are 13 to 17, according to researchers. Teens with cell phones average 2,272 text messages a month, compared with 203 calls, according to the Nielsen Co.
Some experts say there are downsides. They point to declines in spelling, word choice and writing complexity. Some indicate that too much texting is linked to an inability to focus.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
"Hoping the Price is Right" (Inside Higher Ed, 03/02/09)
Bryce Jessup is looking to keep the family business going during hard times, and it’s fair to say he’s operating on faith these days. Jessup, whose father founded William Jessup University 70 years ago, is banking on the possibility that a recent decision to cut tuition rates will help keep the Christian college afloat, and perhaps even grow enrollment during an economic downturn.
"English teachers embrace 21st century composition skills" (Beta News, 03/02/09)
The National Council of Teachers of English isn't merely acquiescing to texting, blogging, video journalism, and all that newfangled tech stuff. In a fiery policy paper on "Writing in the 21st Century," past NCTE president Kathleen Blake Yancey makes a positive case for teachers to rethink how they teach "composing" skills in the classroom.
"Students' goals go beyond conversation" (Mail Tribune, 03/02/09)
For the English-as-a-Second-Language students in Oregon public schools, it's rare to have the upper hand when it comes to language.
But in Tracy Patterson's advanced Spanish class at North Medford High School, the Latino English Language Learners help teach Spanish to the Anglo students.
The bimonthly conversation group, launched three years ago with a Medford Schools Foundation grant, is intended to give Spanish students practice talking with native speakers and to foster leadership skills in the ELL pupils.
But in Tracy Patterson's advanced Spanish class at North Medford High School, the Latino English Language Learners help teach Spanish to the Anglo students.
The bimonthly conversation group, launched three years ago with a Medford Schools Foundation grant, is intended to give Spanish students practice talking with native speakers and to foster leadership skills in the ELL pupils.
Monday, March 2, 2009
"Rewards for Students Under a Microscope" (NYTimes, 03/02/09)
For decades, psychologists have warned against giving children prizes or money for their performance in school. “Extrinsic” rewards, they say — a stuffed animal for a 4-year-old who learns her alphabet, cash for a good report card in middle or high school — can undermine the joy of learning for its own sake and can even lead to cheating.
But many economists and businesspeople disagree, and their views often prevail in the educational marketplace. Reward programs that pay students are under way in many cities. In some places, students can bring home hundreds of dollars for, say, taking an Advanced Placement course and scoring well on the exam.
But many economists and businesspeople disagree, and their views often prevail in the educational marketplace. Reward programs that pay students are under way in many cities. In some places, students can bring home hundreds of dollars for, say, taking an Advanced Placement course and scoring well on the exam.
"Well-Regarded Public Colleges Get a Surge of Bargain Hunters" (NYTimes, 03/01/09)
At SUNY New Paltz, as at many other well-regarded public institutions this spring, admissions calculations carefully measured over many years are being set aside as an unraveling economy is making less expensive state colleges more appealing.
"Computer lessons 'lagging behind'" (BBC News, 03/03/09)
The popularity of information and communication technology is declining rapidly despite the importance of the subject to adult life, a report says.
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