I think we all have seen a 2-year old interacting with the computer with such ease and 6-year old teaching his parents the basics of internet.
Why is it that toddlers can learn IT so fast?
I believe it is because computers / electronics are programmed to be consistent in behaviours. The inherent need of every child is consistency and IT has hit it right on the spot. There is no dubious consequence, or ‘all paths lead to the same’ ambiguity.
Consistency is the best ‘master’ when it comes to learning. The drill and practice of life - doing something and watching the consequence that follows being repeated consistently – etches habits, intuition, and lifelong values into a young child’s mind.
Sadly, while computers are offering such consistencies to the toddlers, parents, care-givers, etc are lacking in consistencies.
When children exercise their will, defiantly, they often outlast the will of the care giver [parents, grandparents, babysitters, teachers]. At least that is what I have regularly observed. The response they get varies with the degree of their tantrums. Soon, they realise that they can manipulate responses by exhibiting certain behaviours. Then conditioning sets in.
Over a sustained period of time, these children did not inculcate a value that leads them to greater learning. Instead they learn how to use emotion as a means of communication to manipulate or even blackmail.
Sadly, young adults [late teens to early twenties] who are entering the workforce, have brought these habits with them. They expect the environment / authorities to kowtow to their antics.
I suppose this is a good awakening for them – long overdue no doubt – that they have to shed the conditioning of the past.
I am aware the above is rather broad brushed. But it is in majority of the youngsters. May the minority rise to challenge their peers.
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