Next generation CIO

The innovators of tomorrow are now on playgrounds, backyards, bicycles and iPods, but are they on computers?  Some spend time keeping up with their Webkinz or checking out Disney.com. A rare few are really getting into all the resources at their disposal and learning the fundamentals that will help them change the world.

The resources exist if the kids are encourage and directed by the people they look up to.  One great summer camp program is offered by ID Tech Camps.  They offer programs in programming, video game design, robotics, comics and video production.  Young phenoms are able to explore their creativity and get introduced to things they can experiment with throughout the year.  More and more online resources are available, but not very kid friendly.  I don’t see my son going out to Slashdot every morning yet, but the time is coming. My advice is to start with the basic resources: computer and filtered internet connection.  Let kids explore software tools like Outlook, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, iWeb, iPhoto, iMovie.  Anything that lets them make the connection between the raw source and the finished product.  Make note of what they really enjoy the most and guide them in ways to keep exploring.  Give them some basic assignments and force them to figure it out on their own.  Try something like: design a presentation at least 3 pages long with pictures and words describing your favorite toy.

The good news (and the bad news) is that this new generation is totally fearless. With the right encouragement, kids can be acting on their ideas in ways we could never dream.  Don’t give them root access to your brand new laptop, but give them a sandbox that they can experiment by breaking and fixing things.  Let them re-install an operating system and install the applications.  Let them see the insides of a computer and see what happens when something is unplugged.  Yes, you might lose a few bucks on a fried hard drive, but that $75 spent on a new hard drive can spark priceless innovation.