Monday, November 26, 2007
Pet Peeves
I hear it mentioned frequently that kids know more than adults when it comes to computers, and up to a point, that's true. They certainly know how to play games better than we do, and they probably are less afraid than adults when it comes to testing things out. But to say that technology is easier for kids is to ignore a couple of realities. First, adults are usually trying to do work with a computer, and losing work is much MUCH more frustrating than hitting the reset button when Super Mario crashes into the ocean. Second, and more important, to say that kids "know" more than us or are more comfortable with technology, does not mean that they do not need us to catch up, so that we can provide them with guidance and leadership, and not leave them to fend for themselves. Kids may know more about technology than many adults, but they do not know about trust, decision-making, appropriate behaviors, and more. They need responsible adults to help them as they learn to live in this world, electronic, virtual or otherwise.
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3 comments:
I agree with you, Frank...I often hear my aunts/uncles say that when it comes to the computer, they 'leave it up to the kids'...I get frustrated that they don't check up on what their kids are looking at when they're on the computer each night for over 2 hours...It does come down to being responsible adults when it comes to situations with kids, even if you're not 'comfortable' with the situation at hand.
That is very insightful Frank. I agree that adults have a tremendous responsibility to help guide children through the digital world, and that knowledge comes from outside of technology.
Let's hope that adults do 'catch up' as you said.
BTW... Super Mario? Man you are showing your age here... It could have been worse.. you could have spoken about Colecovision.
Nice Title! I would have to agree with all of you on your thoughts and views.
Most parents need to find new ways to monitor their kids. Its kind of like when the television was a substitute for a babysitter, "As long as they are not making noise, they arent getting into trouble." But that is not the case with computers.
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