So I’m looking over a survey produced by Pew Internet. It contains scores of questions answered by children and parents regarding their internet use. Some of the results are surprising, others validate my perceptions while others just make me chuckle. Keep in mind that this report was published in 2001. Surely, 6 years will have altered the numbers somewhat.
I am happy to see that 68% of the parents surveyed said that they sit down with their children to use the internet. In addition the majority of parents enforce rules regarding computer use by their children. These numbers are encouraging.
When asked who knows more about using the internet 66% of the parents admitted they thought their children knew more. Coincidentally, 64% of the children felt the same way. How often have those of us with children called upon them for help when we’re flummoxed or have simply been in awe of the intuitive way they navigate the world of computers? Reinforcing this intuitiveness is the fact that 40% of the children said that they taught themselves how use email and the Inernet. Impressive!
One statistic that leaves me with more questions is in regards academics and the Internet. Students were asked which resource they used most to complete their last big report. They responded: 24% Books or Magazines
71% Sources found on the Internet
4% Both equally
1% Don’t know
My question is what type of sources on the Internet were used. I work in a community college library and recently got a call from a student who was perplexed because in her attempt to locate critical essays for a literature assignment she found only articles she’d have to pay for. With access to nearly 200 databases she was googling for sources. As computer savvy as our young people are they often seem oblivious to the idea of authoritative sources.
Anyway, these are just a few highlights of the report. I’ll be exploring these and other issues involving children and computers in future posts.
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About Me
- BooKed1
- Virginia
- I am the mother of two active boys,a part time employee at an academic library,and a graduate student. In my rare free time I enjoy reading, film, and an occasional game of tennis. I am also the wife of a very understanding man who supports and encourages my busy life.
Welcome to Kids and Computers!
As a parent I know I am not alone in my constant wonder and worry concerning use of computers by children. Please feel free to share ideas that will encourage our children to gain the most from their computer use in a safe and supportive way.
3 comments:
Mary,
This was a very imformative blog. I think any of us who have children or are around them are truly amazed at their ability to do things on the computer. I found the fact interesting that 40% of the children polled said that they taught themselves how to use the Internet and email.
I also found your comment interesting about as savvy as our young people are that they still seem oblivious to the idea of authoritative sources.
Cindi
My daughter has provided me with application support using IMing, text messaging, and Face Book. She has taught me some netiquette, and emotion and web slang.
But it is the other old codger in the house I turned to for expertise, my husband. He has helped me understand HTML, software installation, e-rooms and keeping my computer secure and private.
Your post confirmed my experiences. My junior high school nieces can asnwer any questions I have about digital communication.
I have to say I am envious. I remember using encyclopedias for class assignments, but they just hop on the Web.
Something else to consider, like you mentioned. The study you cite is from 2001. So I bet the numbers are even higher now as far as children outpacing adults with digital communication literacy.
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