Sunday, July 29, 2012

Today’s Tech-Savvy Youth

Children today are becoming more and more tech savvy.  Everywhere you go, you see toddlers holding toy cell phones, or “working” on toy computers that are loaded with learning games.  Parents bring portable DVD players on car trips or to restaurants in order to keep the kids entertained.   These devices, marketed for young children, are seen more and more.  It seems that technology is taking over not only our lives, but the lives of our kids.

Classes on basic computer operations are being held in pre-schools.   When children reach elementary school age, they should not only know how to operate a computer, but they should also know how to access the Internet and conduct web searches.  The rising cost of textbooks has made it impossible for schools to purchase a book for every class for each child.   Now, to save costs, they are having the students download e-textbooks from the schools’ websites.   Each school’s website also doubles as an on-line community where students can “speak” to each other.   Teachers volunteer to tutor after hours on the website, so if students are having difficulties with a homework assignment or a particular subject in general, they can get help. 

At the beginning of the new school year, or at the end of the old school year, the schools will send memos to the parents on which computers or laptops to purchase.   This is to insure that the students have the equipment that meets the system requirements for downloads, etc.  The schools will also advise the parents of where these computers can be purchased at the best possible price.  Some may even offer coupons for a limited time.