Are kids all that techno-smart? Maybe not

Photo: Dennis Pierce

Dennis Pierce, Editor writes, "In this week's news: Just because today's students are comfortable using technology doesn't mean they are skilled at creating with the latest devices, experts say--a distinction that has important implications for education."

The Millennial Generation was born and raised in the digital world. Whether they are checking their Facebook status or running a business on the go, this constantly connected generation has earned the reputation of being the most tech savvy ever. But are they really?

Photo: eSchool News

“What we are seeing today is a certain amount of familiarity for the millennial generation around using technology. Whether it is a mobile phone, a tablet or computer, or also doing things with television, video recordings, gaming, there is a particular set of skills that they have developed,” says Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Global Community Affairs at Microsoft Corp. “However, we also know that just because you’ve had familiarity with the use of a device, it may not necessarily lead to proficiency in the use of technology where youth are effectively using technology to better their lives through a job, start something, or undertake further studies.”

Being connected
Whether it is texting, Facebook, or Skype, millennials, like most people, mainly use technology as a tool for communication.

Gabe Griffith, a junior at Penn State, remembers playing games on the computer at age 3. He has had technology available to him throughout his education. In addition to using his computer, cell phone, iPod, and video game system almost daily, he uses the internet every day for communication and schoolwork.

Becoming proficient in the use of technology requires an intermediary, whether it comes from home or the classroom, says Badshah, but although many American schools have technology in the classroom, he adds that it is not being adequately incorporated into instruction.

“For example, the ability to run science experiments through technology or to think about how (to do) complex math formulas using technology,” he says, ought to be emphasized more.

Clearly there is a role for tech in improving education, says Badshah, and there are many who are using tech to open the minds of kids.
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Source: eSchool News