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Here's what amazes me the most about texting. As with the Internet, we've gained the ability to communicate with people from all around the world, but often at the expense of those in our immediate proximity.
I regularly chat with more people from CR4 than I do with people in my own neighborhood, and certainly know more screen names than I do my neighbors' names. While note-passing in school at least allowed some level of community-building (even if, arguably, in a subversive way), students are now so enamored with those they text that they miss opportunities to get to know their classmates. This lack of familiarity has, in my experience, led to intolerance, bullying, and violence.
Sadly, that's not where the problems stop. Last year, there were two car accidents on my school's campus that were the direct result of texting. Fortunately, both were low-speed incidents in the parking lot that resulted in only minor property damage and no major injuries. But I think this further proves the point of how addicted some people, and teens in particular, have become if risk of personal injury and injury to others isn't a deterrent.
For its part, the United States Congress may pass laws that ban texting while driving. Some states are making accidents caused by texting felony-level crimes if personal injury results. There is one case in California, for example, where a man faces vehicular manslaughter charges for killing a pedestrian while texting. But if a teen can text in a classroom and not get caught, how easily will a police officer be able to spot texting in a moving car? And if students can comfortably blow-off a teacher's authority and ignore school rules, how will police officers and laws fare in this culture?
Entitlement Culture Continues to Erode Society
The reality is that cell phone-based messaging is here now and becoming ever more popular. But there's a larger story, too. This phenomenon continues a trend (reinforced by too many adults) that those in position of authority in the world of education are to be openly disrespected and have their authority undercut. In such an educational environment, is it any surprise that the U.S. is struggling to keep pace with other industrialized nations of the world?
It doesn't surprise me. And once again, it's the students who don't care to learn that compromise the education of those that do. This is where our society is failing! In an effort to reach the disenfranchised, the uninterested, and the unmotivated, I cannot help but realize that those who willingly tune-out to text cannot be allowed to consume resources and impede the academic opportunities of those who actually want to learn.
Below the related readings, I have posted some threads that take the discussion to whole new levels. As you'll see, all sides are heated and angry about some of the stories presented.
Related Readings (please note that hyperlinks will not work until future blogs are posted):
Part 1 – The Texting Time Bomb: A Year Later (Part 1)
Part 2 – Hell Hath No Fury Like A Cell Phone Confiscated (Texting Time Bomb: Part 2)
Part 3 – Why Cell Phones Make Educators Grumpy (Texting Time Bomb: Part 3)
Part 4 – From Where I Sit – This Teacher's Take (Texting Time Bomb: Part 4)
Further Reading/Discussion:
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/04/02/texting
http://collegian.csufresno.edu/2007/04/23/texting-during-class-can-b-distracting-4-u/
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Re: From Where I Sit – This Teacher’s Take (Texting Time Bomb: Part 4)
