Texting in the Academic Arena

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Recommended: importance of cellphones in students's life

There are many ambivalent ideas on texting in the academic arena. While many conventional minded educators at Wilkes University feel that the use of cellular devices to text in class is wrong, students equally believe it is not a major concern and is not harmful to their academic studies. From an argumentative standpoint, many professors feel that it is extremely disrespectful, as well as distracting for their students to text during lectures. Students are not able to focus entirely on the material being presented; academic scores are not as high as they should be. “Students these days are so used to multitasking…they believe they are able to process information just as effectively when they are texting as when they are not.” (Rubinkam) However, teachers aren’t entirely eager to accept this justification from students. The average pupil in school will readily admit their texting habits. An anonymous survey of 269 students was performed at the University, and a startling nine out of ten students admitted to texting during class. “Every single person I know texts in class at least occasionally” (Rubinkam). As the class is paid for by the student, they feel it is their right to use cell phones as they deem fit. However, certain restrictions should be placed when there is a testing atmosphere. Although students may have a relaxed ethic on cell phone usage in class, professors see it as a means to possibly cheat during a test or exam. There is every possibility that a student can receive a message from an outside source relaying an answer or helpful tip for a question on a test. Effectively, harsher punishments are now inflicted on students caught using their cell phones. Professor Deborah Tindell has implem... ... middle of paper ... ...sford examined the work of first-year students, she didn't find a single example of texting speak in an academic paper” (Thompson). Lunsford is certain that students are able to separate their “text lingo” and formal writing, using them in the appropriate manner when required. Although there are many ideas on cell phone usage in the academic sector, a negative attitude is predominately accepted. However, these ideas are being challenged; new and innovative theories on the matter are becoming prevalent. Works Cited Thompson, Clive. "New Literacy." Wired Magazine. 08/24/2009: n. page. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. . Rubinkam, Michael. "During Boring Classes, Texting Is the New Doodling ." ABC News. 11/26/2010: n. page. Web. 19 Oct. 2011. .

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