The World is Flat

While watching the videos called "Digital Youth",  I was surprised how easily and quickly the children of the 21^st century have adapted to the world of technology. They can use technology  “naturally” and the most striking thing about those “digital” children is that no one have really taught them how to use those complicated tools in detail, how to get information or how to create something using computers . They were simply introduced those tools and learned all by themselves. For example, in one of the vidioes  Cameron (grade 6) have started  using computer since the age of 4. The surprising thing is that no one told him how to create something on a computer. He has built problem solving skills all by himself and now he can easily create movies on a computer.

Another similar example is Dylan (grade 8) who works on a website and helps children from all over the world to connect to each other virtually and share information. It is amazing how those children collaborate with each other and try to raise other children’s awareness of important global issues such as animal cruelty, for instance. In fact, those children have contributed in the process of making this world “flatter”, a term that I have heard in the video called “The World is Flat” on YouTube.

I think, the above mentioned examples illustrate how important technologies can be for children to pursue their goals and interests. The time has come to realize that various technologies are essential educational tools nowadays and teachers should realize their importance. It is obvious that the younger generation is far better at computers and cell phones than the older ones. However, I think, Armenian teachers should not be afraid of these “new things” that they are not so good at.  They should simply introduce those tools to their pupils and let them learn by themselves. Teachers should realize that when  children are interested in something and is actively involved in the process of getting information or creating something  they will do all these by themselves. They just need some guiding on part of the teacher.

The representatives of the new generation are “digital natives” and they are directly involved in the process of making this world flatter. According to Thomas Friedman, the author of the book called “ The World is Flat”, we have already entered the stage of making this world “tiny” . This means a person can easily communicate, share information, collaborate and get an access to the information he needs with the help of the new technologies. He mentions 10 flatteners, the first of which is the fall of the Berlin Wall, when the term globalization was first introduced. Then the Netscape company went public in 1995 and gave us the internet browser. Another important flattener is the introduction of the fiber optic cable, which brought down the cost of communication and more people could connect with each other cheaply.

It is really amazing how fast the Internet has integrated into our lives. People can simply sit at home and make important business deals, make hotel reservations or book tickets, participate in conferences or learn something.  In my view, people should really work hard to keep up with this crazy pace so as not to lag behind.