N.Z. Students Can Use Txt Speak on Tests

OMG! LOL! I cant blve tht ne1 wud let ppl do this.

Heh, what is the future going to be like for our kids?

Teacher: It's time for your spelling test. Leet speak and net shorthand is o.k., so you should all pwn this bitch!1! Ok, number one, spell "ownage." Extra credit if you can use it in a sentence.

What's next? "Open Google Tests" instead of "Open Book Tests?" I fear our kids are going to be SO lazy.

Good.
At least we won't be alone in the stupid department as far as kids and education goes.

OMFG! IMHO, this iz cra-z!

I find it rather interesting. What is the main purpose for a written language? Basically to communicate in a common way so that those you are addressing can understand you. It really does not matter in what form you write it so long as the recipient understands it. I am a drafter and we abbreviate things all the time and these are on drawings that things will actually built from. Most people would have no clue what a '3050 ALSL TEMP.' is or what the note '2X4 @48" O.C.' means, or one of my favorites '#14 STSMS @ 16" O.C.' But thank goodness the contractor can read it, so things are built right. I think that probably goes for just about any profession. In our jobs and everyday life we end up creating our own special language to fit our specific needs. I guess you can look at it as "stream lining" the communication in each respective field. Txt speak is just another step in the ever changing world of language. Plus imagine all the time, key strokes, and bits that are saved by typing 'lol' instead of 'laugh out loud'. 3 key strokes instead of 14! Sounds good to me. It will be very interesting to see where all this leads.