Monday's Mommy Moment: My Little Digital Native

10.11.2010

In higher education, we talk about digital natives all the time.  Children, born in the 90's or later, are them, and their understanding of computers is beyond our grasp--their understanding is instinctual.  Starting my own blog has certainly helped me keep up with technology to a point, but even I must read books or be tutored on certain tasks.  I usually can learn them, but I don't have the ability to understand what to do on my own.  (Uploading pictures and creating hyper links were just a few areas where I needed help.)

Digital natives are different.  They didn't grow up with records, typewriters, and Ataris.  They grew up with one machine that could do all of these things combined and more.  Using a mouse, i-pod, or now texting on a cell phone is as instintive to them as popping in our a-track cassette was to us.  (Okay, I'm dating myself a little--I did grow up mostly with 45 records and cassette tapes.)

Since the day my son was old enough to sit up on his own, he already had a fascination with the computer.  I could see that little glimmer in his eyes, and he'd always try to touch the keyboard or mouse when we weren't looking.  Now that he's old enough to understand what "gentle" means, I let him play on the computer a little bit every now and then.  If he pounds on the keyboard, then he knows his time is about to end.

Almost immediately, I couldn't believe how my little one interacted with it.  Unlike me, who grew up with seeing it as a somewhat foreign object, Lil' Lewie reaches for the keyboard and mouse like he reaches for his spoon and fork.  It comes naturally, and he knows what to do naturally.  He also reaches for the screen, thinking that if he pushes buttons or icons on the screen, they will do what he wants them to do.  Certainly ATM Machines and now gadgets like the Apple i-pad, i-phone, Kindle, etc. make this possible, but how does a little two year old who has never touched a single one of these gadgets understand this concept?

His instinctive knowledge just blows me away.  There is no doubt that within a few short years, he will probably surpass me in the ease of which he uses technology.  (When I first started using the computer in the 90's it took me weeks to feel comfortable with controlling the mouse.)

Here, already, is my little two year old computer geek.  There is no question that our children are our future, and we will be learning from them...  (Have patience Lil' Lewie. Have patience with Mommy.)



10 comments:

  1. Lol, this is a lot like Georgia! She really loves my laptop, and understands how to control my touchpad to control the cursor without any sort of prompting. It is really crazy!

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  2. Very Cute! Sounds like my kids. They are 3 and 5 and love to use the computer and go to PBS kids and play games. We recently got a new computer and put the old one in the basement, but looks as if we are going to have to bring that one up for them to use, I find myself fighting for time to use the computer between the two of them, who knows what it will be like when the baby catches on. Good Post. Following you through Mom Blog Hop Monday!

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  3. I'm a new follower from the Monday blog hop!

    I'd love for you to visit me at http://stephanieandadambaby.blogspot.com

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  4. Amazing! They do learn fast, don't they?

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  5. Oh, he's adorable...and taking over the computer!! Wait, you won't have time to blog! Well, maybe he can do a guest post for you...or help with hyperlinks.

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  6. Darling....and oh, so true. My 6 year old can use the mouse and navigate her way around the computer so well. It's incredible how quickly they learn this complex piece of technology.

    Visit me at Mom-a-Logues
    http://www.mom-a-logues.blogspot.com

    Dawn

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  7. I have to tell you that Little Chick really is great with the computer! It is amazing how quickly they learn. My mom is still trying to do basic computer skills. I should have my daughter teach her. Ha! :) Annette I have been thinking about you and your family. I wanted to e-mail you, but have been away from my computer the past couple of days because I am exhausted. I already had Mono ten years ago, but I have been feeling really tired. I want you to know that my thoughts are still with you. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love so much and often people are there the first week or two and then it is back to the daily routine. My heart goes out to you and your family and I pray that you can find peace in knowing that your Auntie is in a beautiful peaceful place. I hope you are well! Have a good night!

    Mama Hen

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  8. I know, it's amazing isn't it? My son loves all the gadgets and uses the computer with ease.

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  9. It is so amazing! Quite often my students were able to help me if I was having problems on the computer and they were only in 2nd grade. Boy did they love that, getting to teach the teacher something. Luckily when I'm home I have my husband to help (he's an IT guy). I can't wait to see how Avery interacts with computers when she gets older, I'm sure at some point she'll be helping me!

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  10. I love this picture! I have some of Scotty like this. His very first real computer game was a Mickey Mouse one that I picked up at the library...it took him a day to master the mouse :) Ha ha ha. It's amazing how quickly they pick things up!

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