irmah said:
It’s a mix of both. The world has changed, and kids’ skills are different, but adults also need to adapt and teach what’s relevant.
Agreed! It’s the responsibility of teachers to teach kids the skills they need, even if they’re different from what we learned growing up.
I have faith in the younger generations. They care about each other more than we did. They’ll figure it out, even with the challenges they face.
Kids today are struggling with basic skills, respect, and focus. It’s a systemic issue, and I worry for them. But every generation gets criticized—it’s up to them to show what they can do.
Brandy said:
Kids today are struggling with basic skills, respect, and focus. It’s a systemic issue, and I worry for them. But every generation gets criticized—it’s up to them to show what they can do.
I’m curious what grades you’re seeing this in. Are these issues across the board?
No offense, but you haven’t seen how things have changed over decades like we have. You’re speaking from a limited perspective. Those of us with experience are raising concerns for a reason.
Mentor said:
No offense, but you haven’t seen how things have changed over decades like we have. You’re speaking from a limited perspective. Those of us with experience are raising concerns for a reason.
I get that, but we shouldn’t blame the kids. They’re not the ones failing themselves.
@Henry
They need to take responsibility for their actions too. It’s not all on the system or the adults.
I taught college for a few years, and the basic computer literacy of some students shocked me. Some didn’t even know how to restart their computers. I had to spend time teaching basic functions instead of focusing on the main course content.
@Amanda
I don’t understand where these students are coming from. I’m in college now and can do all those basic things. Maybe it’s a regional thing?
Henry said:
@Amanda
I don’t understand where these students are coming from. I’m in college now and can do all those basic things. Maybe it’s a regional thing?
What state did you go to high school in? I’m in New Jersey, and our schools are all about Google platforms, which takes away the need to learn file management.
Henry said:
@Amanda
Texas. Maybe that’s why my experience is different.
That could explain it! If your district didn’t switch over to Google, you might’ve gotten more hands-on computer skills. Were you in a one-to-one district (each student had their own device)?
I gave my 9th graders an assignment to bookmark and screenshot things, and none of them knew how to do it!
Donna said:
I gave my 9th graders an assignment to bookmark and screenshot things, and none of them knew how to do it!
That’s surprising! Once you showed them, did they pick it up quickly? I assume they at least knew how to screenshot?
@Henry
It took about 20 minutes and a lot of repetition for them to get it, and only two knew how to screenshot. They didn’t even know how to use Chrome’s dropdowns. It’s basic stuff, but they just weren’t interested in figuring it out on their own.
Some students do have tech gaps, but they usually catch on quickly with a little help. I think it’s not as big a deal as people make it out to be. If kids are missing skills, it’s our job to teach them and move forward.
@tony
Exactly! I agree completely. Some gaps exist, but they’re not huge and are fixable. Teachers should just teach those skills instead of complaining about them.
Henry said:
@tony
Exactly! I agree completely. Some gaps exist, but they’re not huge and are fixable. Teachers should just teach those skills instead of complaining about them.
Definitely!
I totally get your frustration. We need to focus more on what kids can do and build on that. That’s why we created a learning app to engage kids through fun, interactive lessons. It helps them build skills while having fun!