The problem and concern that Mike Elgan (Forbes) has with younger generations is not that they are incapable of knowing how to use computers, smartphones, tablets, and other technological devices (because it is very clear that most young people are very capable of showing you how Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. works) - it's that kids today have no skills or knowledge about how computers, networks, and software function. Scientists and inventors in the field of technology are constantly improving how we use computers with ease. It does not require much thinking or knowledge to open an app, take a picture, and post it for the whole World Wide Web to see. While younger people may be better at using and working apps and things like that, it does not mean they are no more skilled than older generations who may not be as good at using these apps. Elgan's bottom line is that, using a computer in today's world does not require much thinking or appreciation as it did several years ago. Kids do not have to know or care about writing software, building computers, or why/how certain computer things work certain ways. He said this is a problem because there is no deeper knowledge or skill-building required. This does not help prepare younger people for jobs that will require such skills.
In most every way, I agree with Mike Elgan, and I definitely see and sympathize with his concerns. I am very old-fashioned when it comes to education. This is probably due to the fact that I feel like I have to be as knowledgeable as possible before starting on a certain project. Especially starting a new job - I cannot just be thrown into the job without knowing why/how/what I need to know or do. That is a great way to learn by discovery and problem-solving, but I feel more comfortable being informed and knowing the background and ins and outs. I also empathize with Elgan because it is so easy to simply Google a question or problem, which does really require us to think at all. We are becoming co-dependent on technology to answer everything for us without understanding why we got a certain answers. There's no higher level thinking being challenged, and that is a problem. It makes us extremely lazy and ignorant.
I believe children need to have an appreciation for how computers are built and operated. Knowing things like that, for anything, always instills a greater appreciation for the people who give all their time and dedication to make our lives easier; it makes us more humble people. Also, it just makes us more educated and intelligent. You can never be "too educated." Knowledge is never-ending. We can always learn more. We should be educated on how things in the world work. It makes us competent individuals.
However, I do not feel like it just an absolutely terrible thing if not everyone is up to par with their computer knowledge and skills. The positive side of technology constantly improving is the simple fact that it DOES make our lives easier and it DOES help us with things that we may not have otherwise ever been able to do. For example, a child struggling with math or reading can use some simple gaming app or website to help them improve their understanding of certain concepts in those areas. As long as that child is able to explain why or how they got their answer for a certain math problem, it should not matter how they learned it. Not EVERY job requires this, though that may change in the future. I think companies and businesses should hire people that are proficient in such skills, but it is not always necessary.
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