Lil' Techies

The National Literacy Trust in the UK  released a report that explores how our kids think about writing. One of the research questions in this report probes the issue about technology damaging literacy. I’ve heard many instructors complain about texts and tweets as a direct cause for poor writing skills. The results are inconclusive, but it looks like tech writing is actually good for literacy:

• 82% of kids send text messages at least once a month
• 77% of kids still use pen and paper to take notes in class
• Young people who write a blog were more likely to enjoy writing
• Young people with social networking sites write more frequently
• There is a link between texting and literacy achievement
• Today’s kids type faster than any other generation

The most fascinating results of this study indicate that the more technology kids use for writing, the better they feel about their writing abilities.

Clark, C. & Dugdale, G. (2009). Young people’s writing: Attitudes, behaviour and the role of technology. National Literacy Trust. Retrieved from http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/research/Writing_survey_2009.pdf.