OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE AND LIBRARIES
14 years ago
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Yesterday's 23 things
Yesterday I was feeling overwhelmed. All these things that I "need"? to learn about what is on line that todays kids seemed to have embraced as a way of life. Are they not learning the skills to interact face to face with real people? If they come across something that they don't like, do they just turn the computer off? Can they negotiate solutions to problems that involve others? Do they still care/understand about real peoples feelings and how careless words to faceless people can still harm.
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If you ever feel overwhelmed just ring me on the phone - nothing like a personal conversation the old fashioned way!!
ReplyDeleteWe're going to know all about Web 2.0 by the end!
Di-Dee,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to blogging :D
I love your first post. Right into your heart and mind - and getting right to some meaty questions.
I think the stranger a new thing is to us, the more overwhelming it can feel. May that overwhelmed feeling you had is valuable? Having felt that yourself about web2.0 stuff, maybe consider now that many kids don't let the immensity of what they don't know hold them back - and just like in the offline world they can learn from getting hurt by the consequence of their ignorance. Or if they're lucky they'll first learn from timely guidance or the example of adults they respect.
The more WE know, the better we're able to provide sensible example.
But that doesn't mean we need to know about ALL the stuff that's out there. If we've just played with a few tools and perhaps learned some good places or ways to keep in touch with developments - such experience will help us understand the environment enough to (hopefully) provide timely guidance.
As to your questions about what kids are learning, I'll answer from my observations of my sons. Of course young people learn face-to-face skills - as much as ever, web2.0 tools don't interfere with that any more than books or tv do. If they come across something they don't like, turning off the computer is as much an option as leaving a nasty social situation, although more often I see them leave the computer and find someone (often me) to discuss the problem and consider options for resolution or learning... which I guess answers that next question.
As to the last: from the behaviour of other people that the boys and I meet through online games I'd say generally yes, although this may depend on the example, guidance and supervision that individuals may or may not have received, although there are personality aspects too. Aren't there people who don't seem to care how their words affect a person whose face is right in front of them?
I love thinking about the social skills and practical experience of social psychology my children have learned through their multiplayer game playing.
I look forward to reading your next post, and I hope you enjoy playing with some of the Things :D
Oops, forgot to mention:
ReplyDeleteI love your blog title - it seems to be a perfect example of a two admirable personal management skills: choosing achievable goals and careful not-over-committment.