“Writing for the Instant Messaging and Text Messaging Generation: Using New Literacies to Support Writing Instruction.” by Sheelah Sweeny

Sheelah M. Sweeny “Writing for the Instant Messaging and Text Messaging Generation: Using New Literacies to Support Writing Instruction.” Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy; Oct2010, Vol. 54 Issue 2, p121-130, 10p This was an essay written by Sheelah M. Sweeny stating and backing up her belief that new forms of literacy should be introduced into schools’ curriculum. She believes that Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become an integral part of people’s lives. The Internet, text messaging, computers in general, instant messaging, social networking sites, etc... Most power points or other presentations involve images, audio recordings, shorthand writing, and short videos. She believes that teachers should be required to teach how to use these new ICTs so that when they start using them, children are not behind. I like Sweeny’s view because it isn’t the traditional view that ICTs are ruining the world’s literature with abbreviations and the loss of punctuation. It will fit nicely in my paper to shine a light on the better aspects of ICTs.