What is “SMS”? This stands for “short message service”. Almost everyone knows at present, this is a service provided by phone companies for users of cell or mobile phones. It is a means of every communication with each other by typing in short message using the phone’s alphanumeric keypad, and sending them to other mobile phone users. Received messages appear on the phones small screen.
Different units of cell phones are available in the market. From high end units to low ender units are being used. The Philippines according to a survey, is said to be in the Top Five users of all cell phones in the world. There are advantages and disadvantages of cell phone use:
First, the communication can be done silently, since the phone has a silent mode feature. One can receive a message silently without disturbing anyone.
Second, messages are received instantly & it can be stored in the mobile phone.
Third, it has a low cost, depending upon its use. But usually, the amount P1 per text message and for 3-4 minute call you will have to pay P15.00 only.
For the disadvantage in using, SMS in communication, is called “short message service”, so it is really short. The maximum length of a message is generally around 160 characters, although you can send 2 or more messages. You need to be concise in sending SMS. Because of this constraint, a especial text messaging lingo have developed.
What is It’s Implication To Teaching? Must teachers abhor the use of SMS especially in some areas of teaching? Think that this will have a negative impact on children’s written & spoken language. But with the mere look at it, we can say that SMS will stay longer. It will most probably not disappear in the near future & beyond.
Instead of putting and thinking negatively about the language use in SMS, teachers can use this as one of their strategies in teaching. One area of teaching that is likely to be gravely affected is the teaching English Language.
It is significant for students to know that language is dynamic. Students must be aware about the fact that we use different kinds of language & our own lingua franca. They must accept the fail that times change so language will possibly change or modified. It’s just right & timely to check written & spoken language, formal & informal language.
This will result to an understanding that there are different circumstances of communication. But children must be aware that SMS language are only for sending text message and never in a Formal means of Communication like for instance as a lecturer/resource speaker.
Teachers can use SMS in other classroom activities e.g an activity where SMS language can be connected into full word or complete phrases/sentences into standard language usage.
Instead of treating SMS negatively, teachers can use this as a means for language teaching since at the mere look at it, SMS is here to stay.
By: Ms. Rosario B. Llanda T-I | DEPED Samal Bataan
