[EDLING:13] Australia: Can't spell, can text? gr8 m8!

[Francis M Hult]

Via lgpolicy...

> Can't spell, can text? gr8 m8!
> 
> Melanie Christiansen March 29, 2007 05:41am
> 
> STUDENTS who are bad spellers but can tap out a fast text message deserve
> credit for their "digital literacy", a Queensland academic has claimed.
> With plans underway for a new English syllabus in Queensland schools ,
> Professor Erica McWilliam has slammed the current "moral panic" about
> declining literacy standards. The assistant dean of research at the
> Queensland University of Technology's education faculty said spelling was
> sometimes overrated in the modern world.
> 
> "When a young person writes 'cu l8r', you can either look at it as bad
> spelling or as an impressive short messaging capacity," Professor
> McWilliam said. "In a digital world, being able to communicate quickly is
> essential.  Sometimes spelling can actually get in the way." But Professor
> McWilliam's stance has not impressed the Queensland Council of Parents and
> Citizens Associations, which wants classrooms to refocus on teaching the
> three Rs.
> 
> "As parents, we would be delighted if our kids could meet the standards as
> far as the traditional curriculum is concerned," council executive officer
> Greg Donaldson said. But Queensland teachers and principals yesterday
> offered some support for the idea of recognising digital literacy in
> classrooms. "Digital literacy is vital," said State School Principals
> Association acting president Norm Hart.
> 
> And Queensland Teachers' Union president Steve Ryan accused those pushing
> a more traditional curriculum of "outdated" thinking. Queensland's
> rewritten English syllabus is due to be introduced in July next year.
> 
> http://www.news.com.au/sundaymail/story/0,23739,21467239-3102,00.html#