How social media brevity is undermining learning of English in classrooms

The traditional learning where the teacher was the pillar of knowledge is dwindling with the coming of the internet and its potent offshoot-social media. [iStockphoto]

The art of storytelling around a fireplace is gone. Riddles and wise sayings are no longer handed down by word of mouth but online.

Similarly, the hottest gossips are no longer whispered under a tree but through a multiplicity of platforms that include messaging on vehicles, khanga pieces (lessos) and the latest entrant: club message boards. Unfortunately, this new style of communication has found its way into classrooms with gloomy prospects.