Many people, including myself, spend a lot of time knocking the American education system but let me tell you one place where I think they are doing alright or at least headed in the right direction. That area is technology.  I think schools are really trying to keep up with what is being called “The Digital Learner” or generation "www.y"  These kids are vastly different from my generation (I am 37 years old).  What you have to understand about these kids is that information and entertainment is constantly hurled at them.  They have access to information and entertainment 24 hours a day from many different sources.  Computers, cell phones, television and iPods are all contantly competing for children's attention. Let's take a look at some of the differences between generations.
     My generation played video games but we played Pac-Man, they play video games that are so complex and advanced that they create 3rd party manuals and books detailing how to play the games. These games allow kids to talk to one another in differenct countries!
     My generation listened to music but these kids not only listen to it, they sample it, create it, mix it, watch it and download it.  I remember the first time I put on a Sony Walkman, I thought the sound that came from it was the most amazing thing I had ever heard.  Nowadays, when kids put headphones on you cannot even assume that they are listening to music, they could be listening to podcasts, lectures, directions or maybe even music.
     My generation watched T.V. but we had 9 channels and only 2 of those channels aired anything a kid would ever want to watch.  These kids have over 50 channels aimed at their age group, dvd’s, on-demand and don’t forget about youtube!    In my day, each kid had one teacher but nowadays kids not only have a teacher but many have tutors, coaches, senseis (karate teachers), counselors and step parents.  All of these adults are constantly telling these kids what to do and giving them conflicting advice.
     So how are schools trying to keep up with these iKids?       Just about every school has a computer lab but most are trying to bring the technology into the classroom on a daily basis.  Some school have mobile laptop stations which go from classroom to classroom.  Some schools actually issue students a laptop for use at the beginning of the year.     By far the biggest technological just classrooms are making is the addition of "Smartboards".  These are interactive, projected white boards which the teachers can write on and show computer lessons on.  They technological effects are expanding but the coolest part is how the kids pay attention to anything bein done on a Smartboard, they are simply riveted by the Smartboards.     Teachers are also putting sylabi and homework up on the internet for the kids.    Many teachers are starting blogs in which parents can read about homework and things happening in class.   Some teachers are even putting their lectures on the internet for the kids to download and put on their iPods.   Go visit a classroom if you can now because in a few more years they are going to be completely upgraded.  Flat screen T.V.'s and Smartboards will cover the walls, laptop computers will be on every desk and classroom will be almost paper free.  And this blog will be mandatory reading in every classroom!
Talk to you soon,Kurt