Loss of basics
Working with computers, tablets, the internet , etc. is great and keeps the students interacting with the course at multiple levels. It is wonderful. But, what I see is degrading the basic things we were taught when we first enter school. Spelling and grammar are just not there if a student doesn't have spellcheck. I may be seeing it wrong, but, I still see this, and how a lot of people don't care.
QUINTIN,
For sure, the more "traditional" skills are less focused on - as we become more technologically savvy, skills will change and what we no longer need will fade while what we still need will remain. For example, we still need to know how to spell and write well even if we type on a computer - once voice technology and touch technology improve, however, verbal literacy may become more important than written - we will see :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Even if voice literacy increases in importance, there still remains the need to be able to construct logical sentences in order to present ideas and processes. This is one area where technology is deficient, I think. People will also need to be able to write regardless of electronic technology.
I couldn't agree more, Quintin! All of these mobile devices are wonderful in there inception but they are very definitely contributing to the degradation of our society. We don't know how to use reference tools like encyclopedias and the card catalog system at the library. We don't know how to hold face-to-face conversations with each other anymore; we can barely draft letters correctly! I wonder how we as online instructors can help to keep the technological advances implemented in the online classroom but still uphold the methodologies of the past that are tried-and-true.
I have noticed that grammar, sentence structure, punctuation have deteriorated. Point of view drifts within individual student essays as well. It appears that the foundation of good writing has not been taught or emphasized at the secondary level.
It is a distraction to me as I grade essays. I coach toward better writing skills but I remain focused on content. I am not sure this is a battle I, or any of us, will win. I think the change toward this type of communcation has already taken place and is permanent.
On the positive side however, I think today's learners use the course content (as our course states) "as a luanching pad" for exploration of the topic and related topics. Good grammar may be replaced by quick sound bytes of information that actually expands the original topic and advances the learners knowledge of the topic. If that is what ultimatley happens, I can live with that result.
Ralph Fornari
Ralph,
Great points! I agree...literacy is changing and although still necessary, it now includes things like compilation of information from various sources and comparison analyses. These are great skills to have but are more important than other older skills such as linear organizing and reproduction of information.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Quintin,
I agree wholeheartedly that good written communication skills are lacking in this age of technololgy. I have started each class with a blog post on formnal versus informal communication just to make the students aware that there is a difference. Despite that effort, I still have students submitting essays in the form of a text or chat entry. I've had students continue the behavior through to the end of class. I began deducting points and then not accepting it at all, thus becoming a strict instructor. Hopefully the efforts will pay off when the student is able to effectively compete for that carreer position they've been training for. What techniques do you use to encourage formal communications?
Melissa
technology can assist faculty especially when catering to diverse set of learners, and can facilitate in assessments.
However, depending on technology 100% can contribute to a decay in student writing and communication, which is an essential competency to master to be successful in any field. Using technology in moderation can make up for that loss.
As for me, I encourage students to hand write short essays (i.e tests, HW, etc.) to encourage this. Great point Quintin!
Quintin,
I have seen less focus on spelling and grammar as well. I insist on checking spelling and grammar and penalize those who do not adhere to the standards. At the beginning of class I specify my requirements. I love the advances technology brings, but it is no excuse to get lax about spelling and grammar. There are checkers available for smart phones these days. After a few dings they get the message if they care about their grade
that is absolutely correct, basic spelling and grammar still need to be taught.
Quintin,
I agree with you. One thing that bothers me is the informal or texting language students use when contacting me or posting to a classroom discussion. I try to emphasize the importance of writing skills (grammar, punctuation, spelling), but it often falls on deaf ears.
Suzanne
Excellent point. Students need to be carefully taught when informal language and writing is not appropriate and what that means. It is increasingly leaking into the academic and professional realms.
Students still have English and reading classes in primary school, but it seems to not "stick" as much as it used to. Are mobile technologies and social media to blame? At least partially. It is also about the home life - do parents ask their kids to speak to them with proper grammar? Seems like a pretty crazy idea. But it sure would help children form good habits that translate to their adult lives.
