The digital age has grown tremendoulsly and has shaped the kids grow and think. Today's kids are multi-processing as they are able to do many things simultaneously from listening to music, watching TV, talking on the phone and using the computer. Computer literacy has evolved significantly. Today, literacy involves more than just text but also involves image and screen literacy. The ability to read such texts and to be able to pick up and feel comfortable with these new rapidly evolving genres is considered non-trivial. In fact, in oreder to master such skill is considered the norm. Many young people do have to face the presure to undertand the litercay and apply particular skill so that they can be accepted in the digital age. Many young people depend heavily on computers. They use computer to do just about everything from playing games to running their own business. Running a business, publishing a Web page and belonging to an Internet community are not atypical. Therefore it essentially important to stay on touch with the digital world. Community needs to be there for the young people, top educate them and not shut them. They need to be involved with so that the young people are able to grow and act apprpriately.
Are you hopeful or concerned about the way ICT is influencing the way young people think and learn?
Young use computers for activities that seem to go hand-in-hand with our understanding of what constitutes a traditional childhood. They use the technology to play, learn, communicate and form relationships as children have always done. On the other hand, the digital media is creating an environment where such activities of childhood are changing dramatically and may, for better or for worse, accelerate child development. I am concerned with the evolution of motor skills, language skills and social skills. ICT has involved the development of cognition, intelligence, reasoning, personality and through adolescence the creation of autonomy, a sense of the self and values. Children becomes very passive and less active physically as they spent their time infront of the computer. There are problems which require management by children and adults. Children can become enthralled with their new worlds and tools, at the expense of other healthy or important activities - like homework. Most children correct such imbalances in their lives themselves, but parents need to be vigilant. Children may have multiple selves in cyberspace - something probably positive but warranting further research. What we know for certain is that children without access to the new media will be developmentally disadvantaged.
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