You could say that school was simpler way back in the day, but I might conclude that it is far simpler now.
With the advent of on-demand technology in every corner of urban civilization, the sophisticated student won't have to go through half of the grueling rituals that we all had to slog through. Remember a lexicon and its heaviness? These children sure won't.
Sure, with accelerated change comes a certain percentage that get left behind, but that number is shrinking every day. There are very few kids (statistically) that are unexposed to technology; at worst they are uncomfortable with it but know its ubiquity in world affairs.
In my 'transitional generation' we had to go to the computer room to go access the world wide web and all its glory . Flash back to the present and many progressive schools are making laptops either a item on the parent's checklist or part of the cost of school, bringing this invaluable tool into every classroom. Even the poor kid on the block can buy discount computer hardware and go to school with a new laptop.
And then add the extra layer of the extremely fashionable smart phone, which allows these students to take that information access with them everywhere, making available street information that we all thought were fantasies 10 years ago . Students now can check dining reviews before entering into a new restaurant, potentially avoiding a sketchy situation, and get that information almost instantly .
It appears that the news media only likes to point out the downfalls of the internet; or at least those are the stories that lead the show. Modern students have the same capability to use their information hubs for productive activities as unproductive ones, and that scares a lot of educators and parents.
What doesn't seem to lead the media show is that the same rules that applied to us as children still work with modern children. Parent's are the ultimate arbiter of any and all tools and activities in a child's life; period. It seems as if this simple fact has been missed by a fair percentage of adults who believe that because their child does or doesn't want something, then they have to capitulate. This simple fact alone would help to stop the steady child disturbances that we all experience in life.
So here we are, the completely attached 21st century; discount computer parts are as common place as discount auto shops, and every child knows more about electronics than you do. What will you create with your connected universe?
