Students use of Instant Messaging

I have been reading "Boy Writers" by Ralph Fletcher, in this book the author talks about students daily use of instant messaging. This was a very interesting passage to read about because it talks about how millions of kids spend hour upon hour instant messaging at home. Some may look at this in a negative aspect because the messaging is full of errors, abbreviations, and misused verbiage. If many look deeper into the students use of instant messaging, it gives students a chance to practice writing outside of school and a chance to express themselves to their peers. Instant messaging is also a way to enhance students communication skill with peers

Whether students are instant messaging, text messaging, or using social networks, these are all examples of ways they can enhance their social, thinking, communication, and writing skills. “Don’t be surprised if ten years from now many look back and cite IM as a key to making writing important to them, a catalyst that helped them see themselves as writers" (Fletcher). This statement really made me think about the role of importance that social networking, text messaging, and instant messaging will soon play in students’ lives. A suggestion that I will take with me into my classroom after reading about instant messaging is how dangerous it is to dismiss aspects of kids writing/reading lives. When we disregard big chunks of kids’ reading/writing lives we risk missing the important stuff.With the change in technology from year to year it is vital for educators to integrate this into their curriculum.

Fletcher, F. (2006). Boy Writers: Reclaiming their voices. Pembroke publishers limited