I think as long as the student doesn't replace language with the emoticon, then it's fine. In fact it's somewhat difficult to convey emotion without lengthy somewhat un-necessary conversation when writing, and I've found, emoticons come into my general correspondence. For example, you can't really be sarcastic in an email to your boss very easily... but if you add a
at the end, it has a whole different meaning.
Now if you want to know what bugs the hell out of me? We went to this parent, teacher meeting at my kids school the other day. (which was pointless, all in-its-self, but...) The teacher continously used the phrase "Y'all" which bugged the freck out of me.
I understand it's a regional phrase, and I myself have used it, but shouldn't a teacher, even in a partially relaxed atmosphere produce the language they are responsible for teaching in an appropriate and articulate manner?
Another thing that bothered me was the fact they don't teach the kids to speak up. When the kids read their papers the other day in class they were all very quiet and mumbly. Sure I'm a theater student, but I consider being able to speek well in front of people as important as what is actually being said...
Okay I'm done.
This is our chance to change things, this is our destiny.
