Digital Knowledge – 6 year olds are as smart as 45 year old adults, with a peak for digital understanding at 14 – 15 years! (Ofcom findings).
In a report published by Ofcom, an average 6 year old understands more about digital technology than a 45 year old.
At 6- 7 years, the Digital Quotient is 98, at 10- 11 years, it is 104, and by 14 – 15 years it has risen to 110.
In contrast,the older age groups of 45 – 49 years have a Digital Quotient of 96, and 50- 54 years have a Digital Quotient of 88.
The slide downwards continues as age increases. The findings were taken from a sample of 80 children and 2000 adults, so the figures are a guide and not an indication that all in those age groups fall into the DK described.
The DQ was devised by Ofcom to gauge awareness and self confidence around electronic devices from tablets to smart watches, knowledge of superfast internet, 4G mobile phone networks and mobile apps.
Confidence around devices , we see as being fundamental, along with the ability to explore the resources or devices, and to access a myriad of different methods and facilities with confidence.
This is an area, where the adults definitely do not know best!
It is also interesting that in the age groups of majority of decisions makers ( we suggest from 40 54 years) that the DQ is already on the decline. We know from experience that it is hard for officers to engage with a resource which they are not familiar with and where younger people have a greater understanding.
Today’s 6 – 7 year olds have grown up with YouTube, Spotify, music streaming and accessing TV through downloads. How cool is that?
Things which make us stand back and gaze in amazement are like bread and butter to children.
Our partnership perspectives, as educationalists and IT developers mean we see the enormous potential ahead. Children who can teach themselves IT and given the opportunity are able to create Apps, and develop programming skills. Let alone all the intuitive learning that takes place through IT systems, and bypasses so much of traditional learning processes.
It’s a brave, new world!
Our partnership is immensely excited about the prospects for learning and for the benefit this will bring.
Don’t be like an ostrich with your head firmly in the sand!
Let our Partnership help you undertake change…
ICT, young people and helping them to create for the future are the way to go….