Messages like CUL8R and M$ULkeCraZ may seem foreign to those who rarely use text and instant messaging, but for those who do it on a regular basis, it's just everyday language.

With cell phones and wireless laptops becoming almost as necessary to society as food and shelter, it's no surprise that students use these high-tech devices everywhere -- including in the classroom.

"I get more text messages than I even know about," said Joey Betts, business sophomore.

Betts said he uses the instant messenger and text message features regularly on his cell phone during class because of their ease and as a way to combat boredom.

"You can get what you want to say across without having to be on the phone and just keep saying stuff," he said.

Betts said most of the people with whom he chats or sends messages to are in classes as well.

An equally popular item students bring to lectures is their laptop computer, equipped with wireless access.

Texting N 2day's World

o Some students give in to the temptation to text message, play games and surf during class.

o Instructors' opinions differ regarding the severity of the problem.

o Many instructors discourage or prohibit text messaging and Web surfing during class.

o Some instructors are concerned about students using technology to cheat on tests and quizzes.

Source: Staff reports

Kendal Hallman, zoology and bio-medicine sophomore, said she remembered a girl who continuously played games on her laptop during class.

"I could see her all the time on her computer," she said.

Hallman said although she doesn't Web surf and only text messages on occasion in class, she understands other people's dependence on it.

"It's like my kidney. Can't live without it," she said her roommate told her.

Teachers who witness inappropriate student cell phone and laptop use during their classes have differing views on the severity of the problem.

"As long as they don't do it in a disruptive way, they're only hurting themselves," said Paul Shinn, political science instructor.

Shinn said he lets students know he discourages cell phone use in class and so far hasn't seen major problems.

"I tell students I have taken away cell phones in the past if I needed to," Shinn said.

Several students argue there are times when they need to have full access to cell phones in class, and Shinn said he agrees.

"If there's a medical emergency, then I don't have a problem with that," he said.

Other teachers see this type of behavior as disruptive to learning.

"In my classroom there's no place for them," said Melanie Rich, classics and letters instructor.

She said her major concern is when students use cell phones, laptops and other handheld devices as a way to cheat on tests.

"I have had students in big lecture classes who have tried to text message answers back and forth to one another. I caught one student three times," she said.

Rich said drastic measures should be enforced.

"I'm taking [students] to the academic misconduct committee if they're found text messaging during a test," she said.

Rich said she counts students as absent for the day if she finds them text messaging in class.

Some students said the best way to handle the issue is just not to get caught.

"Keep it secretive, pretend like you're doing work," said Alex Ansari, professional writing senior.

Several students said they text and use the Internet outside of class.

"During my classes I don't text message. I don't even take my computer to class," said Johnna Weger, University College freshman.

She said her teachers haven't set a direct policy, but the rules are implied.

"They kind of expect that you're there to learn and not just be on the Internet or talk on the phone."
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