Millennials: They Aren't So Tech Savvy After All

"Schools are hard-pressed to provide the required equipment and software for computer training, not to mention adequately trained teachers and staff to deliver effective courses." - Brian Proffitt, Millennials: They Aren't So Tech Savvy After All

I learned a few things from this article. First of all, I had never heard of the term "millennial." Millennials are the kids that fill our classrooms today; those who were born around the year 2000. Furthermore, I hadn't really thought that much about the shallowness of kids computer skills these days. Kids are so addicted to games and social media today that their actual computer and programming skills are lacking. This is a huge problem in today's society and it's hard for schools too. The above quote by author Brian Proffitt explains it all. As educators, it is very difficult to teach students the skills they will need in the future if we do not have adequate tools and computers. Additionally, many districts do not offer computer/technology classes for elementary age students (something I wish my students had). Technology professional development seems so far between that teachers are simply learning how to keep up themselves with new technologies rather than how to teach their students. If we want students to learn the skills to be successful in future careers, schools must realize the need for technology courses. Although it may seem as though students are "tech savvy," many students have a lot more experience updating their Facebook status rather than making spreadsheets or custom HTML.

(Proffitt, 2012)