Is the Web helping or hindering literacy?
Literacy (along with numeracy) is surely one of the most important staples for kids to be equipped with to prepare them to enter the adult world. But is the Web helping or hindering kids’ writing skills?
The majority of kids who are able to pick up reading and writing skills at a very young age without too much trouble. But there are an increasing number who are falling through the gaps in the system and leaving school not being able to spell or use grammar in even the most perfunctory manner.
The big question is whether technology in general, and the Web in particular is helping or hindering literacy levels.
According to BBC News, the National Literacy Trust firmly believes the former is true and that the Web is helping. The organization conducted a survey with 3,001 children aged between nine and 16 and from the results ascertained that those kids who regularly write on the Web are better writers, believe they’re better writers, and are more enthused by the art of writing as a result.
Of those surveyed, 24 percent had a blog, 73 percent used instant messaging services, and a whopping 82 percent sent text messages every month. The children who maintained their own blog or who owned a social networking profile rated themselves as much better writers than those who did neither of these activities.
Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said:
Our research suggests a strong correlation between kids using technology and wider patterns of reading and writing. Engagement with online technology drives their enthusiasm for writing short stories, letters, song lyrics or diaries.
That may well be the case, and if so then it’s good news. However, I do wonder how much research has been done into the quality of this writing. Should what has come to be known as txt spk (or text speak) really count towards literacy levels? Because I fail to see the worth in teaching kids to read and write if they are going to use the language in such a way as to make it all but indecipherable to anyone over the age of 25.
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December 4th, 2009
Kids are taught the features of a range of text types at school (and text-messaging isn’t one of them!) I think the Web is actually helping literacy because it provides endless opportunities for kids to hone their skills in front of a real audience. This is something we haven’t had before. Social media rules… at the moment… and as the survey showed, those with their own blogs etc are generally motivated and capable writers.
Also, because just about every business has an online presence now older kids are increasingly aware that a high degree of literacy is considered essential for most jobs.
December 4th, 2009
Web 8nt m8king us illitter8…lol Tu dat …word c-ya …l8ter
December 4th, 2009
Agree with Ali. Also, if good spelling and grammar are encouraged at all times, those end up being natural for kids and they just “flow” when writing. They can learn to write up proficiently on the spot, debate and analize texts from a wide range of peers and superiors. There are so many interesting things to read in the Internet for them that they can also become great readers.
But, I think this is optimal if parents and teachers get involved in the process and supervise it.