Kids Can't Use Computers... And This Is Why It Should Worry You

[PumpkinZulu]

I'm pretty hopeless with technology, but I can do the majority of what was described in this article easily. So can DH, and most other people we know. Most people my age know these things about computers. But then, I also know loads of people my age who don't. So I don't think it's an age thing, maybe the sort of circles we mix in?

[Sagres]

I don't know, I took the point as the author being a bit self important about their job and how important they are at the school

I don't know, I don't think everyone does need to be competent to do some of the things described, just as I don't think everyone needs to be able to fit a bra properly or service their car. We don't all need to be able to do everything it's fine to have a network person at a school that knows the answers to stuff related to the network. By their own argument people are spending less time on PCs so why are they so miffed about people being less skilled at using a device which is in decline?

To flip the argument in another direction, I've worked in a 'helping people out with technology role' before (not help desk but the people that staff used to come to to avoid help desk!) and there is a saying some where about if you keep being asked the same question you must be answering it wrong! If you keep having to do the same task for people over and over you aren't helping them to help themselves and they keep coming back you aren't succeeding. Which ironically is kind of the criticism they have of parents just fixing computer problems and not teaching......