| The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between texting and writing among college students. A sequential mixed methods study was conducted to analyze the relationship between texting and writing as well as to explore the perceptions of students and professors regarding the impact of texting on students' writing skills. The quantitative portion of the study determined if there is a relationship between the frequency of texting, use of shorthand when texting, and students' writing performance. The qualitative portion involved interviews with both students and Professors to explore the perceptions of texting and its impact on writing; in addition, to determine whether students use the Writing Lab available to them. This research incorporated the results of 10 professor interviews, 10 student interviews, and 105 online survey responses. It was concluded that there was no relationship between the frequency of texting and student performance on written examinations. There were statistically significant relationships between writing performance and four types of text messaging: Writing performance was higher for those who used formal words in text messaging and lower for those who used slang, symbols, and phone apps. Most of the professors felt that texting was a valid form of communication, although some felt that texting had adversely affected students writing ability. The students felt that texting could adversely affect someone's writing abilities. In order to minimize the potential negative effects of texting on students' writing skills, it was recommended that school administrators should continue policies related to bans on using cell phones during class times implement a policy that all text messages between students and professors should use formal language rather than slang, symbols, or phone apps. It was recommended that university professors make their cell phone usage policies clear to students in the course syllabus and requiring formal language in text message communication without slang, symbols, or phone apps. It was recommended that students take course phone usage policies seriously and communicate with each other regarding violations of these policies. Future researchers should examine potential moderator variables, employ larger samples, replicate the current results in other colleges and universities as well as in high schools and middle schools, and use more objective measures of writing performance. |
