Technology and the Newest Generation

Although many might disagree, I believe that my generation (ages 18-30) were the "testers" and "first wide-spread users" of modern day technology. Although most technology is an improved spin-off of older and currently outdated...machinery...the generation I currently and will always be affiliated with helped start the momentum of present and future products that will come out on the market.

But has anyone realized the newest generation in the classroom and how they work with new technology? We all had to learn how to use products. We all had to become familiar with the lingo and logistics and hardware and software and every other type of "ware" out there. But these children just seem to know how to use it from the get-go. And how? Are the children in utero taught how to use it so when they pop out you can shove an I-Pod in their hands and they know how to find the artist and song they want a.s.a.p? Are the invisible gamma, x, uv, micro, and etc rays invading their minds with technology before they are born?

I say this because as I walk into the classroom tomorrow, I expect every child to know how to use the Smart Board that their classroom will have. I expect every child know how to use a computer better than my parents' generation. I expect every child to bring in some sort of electronic during the school and get it taken away from them because you aren't supposed to bring electronics to school. And I know I will not be disappointed.

This past semester I had second graders. They were the light of my life. And they all knew how to use a Smart Board better than me (but not for long...I'm still older and still a littttttleeee bit smarter).  It was incredible that these children knew the ins and outs of the newest school technology and they didn't really get to handle it everyday (even though they used it with the teacher). It was simply remarkable. I couldn't imagine trying to teach an adult how to use technology; often they seem stuck in the older, slower and outdated ways of operation (even though there is nothing wrong with it).  My generation and the younger ones strive on quickness and efficiency. We strive for  better and faster equipment for our knowledge.  And this is not a bash on any one older than me, its just simply working with adults and working with children, that I notice a large and growing divide. Children and young adults are ready to tackle the newest $500 software, my uncle wishes he still had a Polaroid camera. It might be cool, just outdated.

But "technology in the classroom" is a phrase that will never become outdated.