Informal Writing Style Finds Way into Student Assignments

According to an April 24, 2008 article from The Associated Press, a recent survey shows emoticons and other writing shortcuts are used in class assignments by approximately two-thirds of students. Such shortcuts are often used in technology-based communications, including texting and instant messaging. Students who regularly use social-networking sites or keep blogs are the most likely to use informal writing techniques in class assignments. However, the survey also revealed that many students prefer writing long-hand, rather than using computers, for short class assignments and for personal writing.

The article is available at the MSNBC Web site.