Are Digital Media Changing Language?

Quote:
           "Spell-check, along with online search engines, may be convincing us that devoting energy to honing spelling skills is anachronistic. Even before you finish typing a word containing an error, spell-check often automatically corrects the word. Similarly, if you type a misspelled word (or phrase) into Google, chances are the search engine will land you pretty much at the same list of sites you would have reached had you been a finalist in the National Spelling Bee."


Reaction:

This is a very interesting subject to me. I can't tell you how many people I've ran across that say they can't spell, which includes myself at times. With all of the available technologies we have at our disposal, there essentially no need to know how to properly spell.  This is something that I believe needs to change. Spelling should be a basic skill that everyone has a good grasp of.  Students need to be able to properly communicate with each other, and without knowing how to spell, that could hinder their ability to do so.  I don't think that text-messaging is to blame, I think we need to look at this from a teacher point of view, and try to build a better foundation for the kids.  I think that we need to utilize the vast array of technology available to us to help our  students learn how to properly spell.

Reference:
               Baron, S. (2009). Are Digital Media Changing Language? . Ascd.org. Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Are-Digital-Media-Changing-Language%C2%A2.aspx