| The purpose of this qualitative case study research was to explore in-depth the research question, "How do texting and Textese influence students' learning of writing in Standard English in composition classes?" Yin's Five-Phase Cycle guided the research and aided in the determination of a qualitative case study research. The literature review identified that no single theory covered the phenomenon, so research was guided by five key theories: Technology Acceptance Model, Transactional Distance Theory, Media Richness Theory, Uses and Gratification Approach, and Threaded Cognition Theory. Participants included college English faculty from Illinois, 25 students enrolled in Composition I classes, and three consecutive semesters of former composition students' e-mails. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were held with faculty and member checked. A pilot study was conducted prior to inclusion of the 25 student volunteers completing the student questionnaires, and three consecutive semesters' e-mails from former students were analyzed for frequency data. All qualitative data were coded using MAXQDA+ software and analyzed. Results from data analysis revealed an evolving perception and usage of texting and mobile communication devices among faculty and students, a disconnect between faculty and students concerning use of texting and Textese, and frequency data revealing the influence did not permeate writing as much as previous studies implied. Results indicated most faculty and students had mixed attitudes, leading to implications that faculty needed to incorporate lessons involving texting, code switching, and detail richness into the course pedagogy.;Keywords: Texting, Textese, composition, social media, short message systems, formal/informal writing, Technology Acceptance Model, Media Richness Theory. |
