Just because kids can open the YouTube app on an iPad doesn’t mean they understand the basics of technology such as the difference between a URL and a google search. We can’t assume this generation is technologically literate and not teach the basics of computing.

@craigmcclellan really well put. I never considered things that way, but you're absolutely right.

@craigmcclellan Yes, yes, yes! This is why I'm so bothered by the term "digital native" and the rhetoric surrounding it. We can value what they know while still recognizing what they don’t!

@craigmcclellan 👍🏼 What ideas do you have for how parents can teach this?

@craigmcclellan This is a good point and part of why I’m a bit bothered by the schools (including our district) putting all the emphasis on coding and none on the technology.

@ronguest @craigmcclellan And this is especially glaring then when it’s time for our leaders to attempt to make laws and/or regulations around areas touched by technology and they have absolutely no clue what they’re talking about or how things work.

(Also, isn’t it difficult to understand coding, especially for the web, when you don’t understand how what you’re trying to code for even works?)

@christopherchelpka I think being aware and engaged with your kids as they use technology. If an error pops up, don’t let them just click out. Try and figure out the problem together. When they have questions about anything (animals, sports, etc) research together and walk them through how to search the Internet. Just be intentional and point things out as you go.

@craigmcclellan A very valid observation. My daughter is still very young to differentiate between the technicalities. But I have made it point to keep her aware about the recommendations around what she sees while online. Rather to not fall for those and stay focused on what is watching.

Fetch what you want to watch (with help of course) and not hop around between suggested links. That's a dangerous slippery slope.