My Little Digital Native

As a father of 2 children I often try to view the world through the eyes of my children. What an interesting world the live in. A world filled with iPods, Tag Readers, Video Games, Computers, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, and other electronic paraphernalia. I am often amused by the use of language as used by my children. Some of my favorites are, "This is out of order.", "Daddy, burn me a copy.", "Daddy, could you clean the DVD for me?", "Ahh!!!, Wrong answer, Try again.", and "I need to download this book for my TAG reader."

At first glance, its all a bit overwhelming. The board games of my youth do not interest him. Recently, I gave my son a book. He asked me, "Where is the software for this book?" However, a closer glance of his electronic habits reveals an interesting transformation. Through the use of technology, my son's vocabulary and reading comprehension exploded. I remember the first eye opener occurred when he watched the 1970s cartoon adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are". Prior to that experience, stories and books did not interest him. However, this video gave him a love for the story. In time, story based software would introduce him to Stellaluna, Little Monster, Harry and the Haunted House, Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Just Grandma and Me, Arthur's Reading Race, and numerous other books.

In a sense, this is very similar to the comic books of my day that motivated me to read. At the time, many of our teachers did not approve of this literature. This only made the adventures contained in the comic strips that more exhilarating. I remember my parents were not sure what to make of this. I believe they were happy that my brothers and I were reading. They often wondered if this little hobby would deter my brothers and I from our studies. In hindsight, it probably was a distraction. However, it served a far more important role as it sparked our imaginations and motivated us. These stories allowed us to dream and achieve the impossible. Till this day, the heroism displayed in these stories serve as a source of strength to keep on trucking; even when the chips are down.

With this in mind, I love discovering what technologies excite and inspire my children. I still remember when my son easily identified the various trains that are friends with Thomas the Tank engine. I thought to myself, "If he could distinguish the difference between Edward and Thomas (both blue trains), he was ready to learn his letters." It would just be a matter of finding the correct motivation. So... I will continue to encourage my children to learn with the "comic book" of their day, and help them keep reaching for the stars.