photo credit: Kei!

Do you hear them?  Little fingers are clicking and clacking away.  They may not be able to type words yet, but very young children are gaining familiarity with computers and are not the slightest bit intimidated. They play their favorite games and never consider for a moment what a marvel it all is.

They will move into actual typing as their developmental skills allow.  For many it will be a seamless transition. It will be natural for them.  It makes me wonder about future generations.

• Will they prefer the typewritten word over the handwritten?
• Will they prefer the mouse over the pencil and pen?

No doubt they will become adept at using their thumbs to rapidly send text messages.

• Will those overused thumbs some day develop physical problems?
• Will the constant use of abbreviated words become a detriment to correct spelling?
• Will our society one day accept these abbreviated forms as standard?

While this brings incredible access to information, communication and connections, where is it taking us on a social level?

• Will the majority of people some day prefer to get acquainted online rather than in person?
• Will they become more comfortable with the written word than the verbal?
• Will families text around the dinner table instead of talk?  (must have seen that one in a cartoon)
• Will something new replace what we know now and render all the above questions moot?

Who knows?  One thing for sure, we are entering into areas where we have not gone before, so be alert to potential problems with your little ones.  Make sure they have more time away from electronics than attached to them.  (Good idea for the rest of us too.)

Mary Taylor, www.theschoolmarm.com