7 Ways to Save a Young Boy’s Life with Tech
I decided to write this post after I saw the post written by the women of Black Web 2.0 called “7 Ways to Change a Young Girl’s Life with Tech.” I thought the same discussion needed to happen concerning black boys. Mostly because I look at how much technology has changed my life.
I’ve used technology to expand my knowledge, direct my career, and create businesses and opportunities for others. As the Internet continues to grow, I see even a greater opportunity for young boys to do things I could not even begin to imagine when I was young.
The Internet is truly neutral territory and can enable so many things. It pains me when I see that so many of our youth with such limited knowledge of what’s out there for them and such a limited perspective on what they can become. I know for a fact that this same limited perspective of opportunity often leads many down a negative path. We have the chance to change that. I know for a lot of parents the question is where do I begin to educate them. I wanted to give some of my thoughts on what to do.
- Get them on the Internet: The latest Pew Internet study showed that only 44% of African Americans in the U.S. have adopted broadband internet in the home. Now I know part of the challenge is that a lot of parents are not comfortable on the Internet themselves, but this is something you can do together. If the cost of a computer is an issue, go to the library and use the Internet there. They often have classes that can help. Also keep in mind that nowadays you can buy a good computer for the price of a gaming console.
- Start them young: The sooner you get your children on a computer, the less intimidating it will be to them. There are many stories out there where toddlers have developed a comfort level on the computer in no time (I know because mine did).
- Make them figure out “How did they create that?”: Many of our children play video games and look at sites but never ask the question how did they create that? So have them do the research and tell you how the things they enjoy are created. They will begin to see how easy it can be to do it themselves.
- Encourage their love of Math and Science: Some kids love math and science, but lack of programs in schools and/or the lack of social encouragement causes the love to diminish. Help your child to keep the fire burning. Khan Academy offers free tutorials that allows children to learn math concepts on their own terms even if their school is not doing it.
- Get them using software: Wherever their passion lies, get them software that allows them to do it. Whether it’s music, art, etc., there’s a program out there to accommodate it and most of the time it’s free. This will further their interest and gets them accustomed to using software tools, which will go a long way in school and in their career.
- Show them examples of kids creating things online: The beauty of the Internet is that you’re never too young to create something. Write a blog, create an app, the opportunities are endless and there are kids doing it today. There’s a case of four kids that started programming at a young and are now creating iPhone apps and making money. Once kids see what’s possible they start to see themselves doing it.
- Start these things today: Everyday we don’t connect boys to positive things that harness their God-given talents, we lose them to things that destroy those talents. It’s that important and the opportunity for change is that big.
Any questions about where to find things or how to start feel free to email me at info@maxlevsolutions.com and follow me on twitter @navarrowwright.
Category: Diversity | Tags: black web 2.0, khan academy, Technology
About the Author Navarrow Wright is the CTO of Interactive One, Interactive One is a digital and print media company focusing on the African-American and urban market. As CTO Wright is responsible for the technical strategy of all the Interactive One online properties which include Hellobeautiful, The UrbanDaily, NewsOne, Elev8 and BlackPlanet. He is also responsible for the technical management of the Radio One Network’s radio sites Navarrow was formerly the President of Maximum Leverage Solutions ( http://maxlevsolutions.com), An internet technology consulting firm. Wright is the Co-founder of Globalgrind.com with Russell Simmons and The former CTO of BET.com. Navarrow blogs about issues in technology that affect entrepreneurs, minorities and urban youth on his site at http://www.navarrowwright.com
See all posts by navarrow wright.
Nowadays, children are very likely to avoid STEM subjects. I don’t understand why they do so. Besides parents, online tutors are best persons to encourage students to give attention to such subjects. There are several online tutoring services available to help students across grades for a very nominal cost. Some of them specialize in STEM subjects, for instance, tutorteddy.com. Students with difficulties in math or science can try it.
@mikeydigital Lots of name dropping and justification of people's positions, I guess being a Prof at Northwestern isn't good enough. Gotta throw in Harvard. Sorry all you Wildcats.
“The results of her study found had African-Americans, Hispanics, and women all scored the lowest on EVERY area of the skills test. So just putting a computer in front of them is just the beginning, from there we have to open their eyes up to the possibilities of what can be done with that computer sitting in front of them.” Really? I just read the same thing but it stemmed from an original thought, life experience, not just another study. Check it out:
“Make them figure out “How did they create that?”: Many of our children play video games and look at sites but never ask the question how did they create that? So have them do the research and tell you how the things they enjoy are created. They will begin to see how easy it can be to do it themselves.” “Get them using software: Wherever their passion lies, get them software that allows them to do it. Whether it’s music, art, etc., there’s a program out there to accommodate it and most of the time it’s free.”
Interesting you actually agree with Mr. Wright However, unlike Mr. Wright you have not given any solutions to the problem. How do you propose to “open the eyes” of these failing African Americans, Hispanics and women? Mr. Wright offers ideas, solutions, the possibility of ending this technology divide . Be PROactive, not REactive. Teach our little girls and boys NOW, not when they are grown.
Apparently, this was just a format for you to push your own agenda. If you want us to go to your site, just ask.
Thank goodness you actually read Mr. Wright's post. I thought you were just pushing your own agenda.
I'm confused by your post. Wright's post does not state that children are to be consumers. Quite the opposite. Wright proposes that children are to be creators not consumers. I am not a Facebook fan, Twitter follower, etc. I do realize and understand that computers are tools. The problem as Wright has stated is that African American children are behind and must catch up if they want to be a part of the future.
Everything our children do now is computer centered. My child's grades are posted online, no more paper trail, all communication with teachers is via email. Any questions I have concerning her school I am directed to the school website. What exactly are you saying Mr. Tucker that Mr. Wright has not?
Hey Mikey|Mike|Michael (lol), I love what you've written. One of the hopes I have is that we will open the backs of those computers and a whole bunch of urban kids will fall in love with the inside and one day offer the competition to a Dell or Microsoft and even Apple.
I agree with you Wm_Tucker (and Lynne) 100%. What you pointed out is what digital divide researchers and broadband policy makers call the “Second Level Digital Divide” or the skills divide. Meaning, okay now that they have access, what do they do now? And believe it or not, many don't always know what to do besides just the basics if that.
For example, at Noire Digerati we're currently working on finalizing an interview with a professor at Northwestern (who's also a fellow at the Berkman Interent Center at Harvard) who was one of the first people I read who used the phrase “Second Level Digital Divide”.. Last year her team conducted in one of the tech classes at Northwestern to test the basic/advanced tech and internet skills of incoming freshman (because the notion is my generation was raised with video games and technology, so we got this right..?)
The results of her study found had African-Americans, Hispanics, and women all scored the lowest on EVERY area of the skills test. So just putting a computer in front of them is just the beginning, from there we have to open their eyes up to the possibilities of what can be done with that computer sitting in front of them.
We just posted an interview that we did with 15yr iphone developer Devin Snipes, and the advice he gave was that digital natives have to also have to have the desire themselves to want to learn about things like mobile development, web design, graphic design, animation, etc.. but having the support (whether it's a parent, teacher, ect) to open their eyes to the possibilities is also important..
Anyway, Great post.. and great discussion..
Mike Lang
noiredigerati.com
Navarrow,
I agree with every point you make here. I have attempted to do these things through my blog (http://www.whereareblacksintechnology.com) As a career computer scientist, and a doctoral student studying why so few of us have embraced technology as a career path or as productivity tools in our homes and businesses, I can tell you that your remarks on right on point. My children are 2 and 4 and I have already ordered iPads for both of them and they watch me develop software whenever I work from my home office. I think the most important aspect is the showing them. Show them people who look like them engaging in technology. Teach them about the black digital elite. They should know about brothers such as Mark Dean and the Philip Emeagwali.
Great article Navarrow.
I think the thing I saw that really hit me was “How did they create that?” That is what took me from being a web designer to a web developer. I wanted to go further than making things look pretty and wanted to know how to make websites functional. After that my curiosity drove me to learn more and more about technologies that actually run a lot of the websites we use today.
As far as having a computer in the home and an internet connection with it, I think it has to go well beyond that. I know so many kids who do have both and all they do is get on Facebook, WorldStarHipHop, MySpace, YouTube, etc. They aren't actually technologically savvy at all. Having access to something and actually knowing how to use it are two very different things. That's why I think another good point you made is learning to use software. Most people can only use a web browser, iTunes and MS Word and that's it. That even goes for many college-educated individuals in our community.
I started a blog about 2 months ago where I'm not interested in breaking news tech stories but just to let people know that there are things online that can benefit your real life. To get them to the point where this stuff is even out there and exists.
My mom had done programming in college and I stumbled across her Fortran and Cobol books at a very young age. No idea why I read them, but I was learning to program before I even had a computer I could program on. This definitely lit a fire inside me for some reason. I needed more knowledge.
Years later, all I got for xmas was an x286 desktop computer and I was the happiest kid on the block. A few years after that, I forced my parents to get high-speed Internet. It definitely puts a different perspective on life when you know you can go out and learn how to do anything you want. Believe me, I have been in some tough situations, but chose to hustle on this keyboard instead of hitting the streets.
With my own kids, I can honestly tell them they can do whatever they want. They understand that they have options even though they are still very young.
I can totally agree with you on this. My first exposures to computing: Data Punch Cards in a Data Processing Class, a Commodore 64 in a Math Computing Class, and exposure to the first Apple Mac in my College Office where I did my community service. We ran a program helping seniors find the best colleges that could meet their needs. Granted, I'm female, and math was my HS major.
I have not been the subject of any study, but I know that majoring in math and early exposure to computing made me want to seek more knowledge in general. Granted, I was always a bookworm so I'm sure this played a role to.
I think overall, you can't just sit a kid in front of a computer, you have to show them the way. Just like with any other sort of learning. And yes, a lot of kids excel at video games and computing faster than some of their parents, but I think there has to be some mentorship experiences happening. They have to learn how not to just be consumers or players but to be game changers.
At a recent event put together by Mimi Valdes and Pharrell Williams call Kidult Leadership Conference, I saw 100s of youth using Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. to become entrepreneurs and very excited about the opportunities that technology and mentorship afforded them. Perhaps their just a small sample, but the majority of these kids were male and African-American. And I'm sure they're teaching their friends what they know.
You're welcome. if you find these studies interesting, I suggest you also look into Roland Fryer's work with Harlem Children's Zone
Thanks for linking to this study. My only reply would be that no one says that just placing a computer in the home magically makes children more knowledgeable but at least if they have one and an internet connection, then they have access to the gateway. I'm curious to see how this study supports the notion that having a computer in the home leads to lower scores so i will defintely give it a read.
Thanks
Thanks for linking to this study. My only reply would be that no one says that just placing a computer in the home magically makes children more knowledgeable but at least if they have one and an internet connection, then they have access to the gateway. I'm curious to see how this study supports the notion that having a computer in the home leads to lower scores so i will defintely give it a read.
Thanks
Greg
Great to see your started a site to address this. Keep up the work and I'll be sure push people to your site.
Great article. I grew up in the Bronx and had a lot going for me: my amazing mom, positive programs … and without a doubt my Commodore 64. Hours of engrossed programming (B.A.S.I.C.
kept me on a good path.
I definitely realize the value computers and the Internet can add to any person's life — especially a child's. However, I'm a little concerned over how the use of consumer electronics is portrayed as representing the totality of 'technology', and the suggestion such usage will facilitate a new generation of scientists and industrialists. Mastery of a game console or a laptop doesn't make one a manufacturer or a developer any more than taking two aspirin makes one a pharmacist.
Sure… it's reasonable to think exposing more Af-Am children to computers and the Internet will likely produce a few more (badly needed) medical doctors, research scientists, software developers, etc.. But technology also includes designing and building shoes, furniture… even growing food. So I say let's present computers and the Internet to kids as additional tools they can use for propelling them where they'd like to go.
Good article. I think getting kids involved in sites like ours http://www.blacksintechnology.net , BDPA's and others are really important. A big obstacle our kids face is what I like to call “face time”. I feel our kids don't get exposed enough to other African Americans in IT or technology. I think kids need to see examples of African Americans doing and talking technology. That's one of the main reasons why we have online video podcasts on our site and another reason why we are going to be launching BITTV, which will be an online tech show hosted by African Americans about technology. Visit our site at http://www.blacksintechnology.net .
Navarrow,
Great article. This was a topic during a 4th of July gathering I attended. I was sharing information about Togetherville (you all posted about this site a few weeks back).
Our son loves it and has already made a friend in Florida, whose parents have given us information about a science/astronomy program their child is in.
So, thanks BW2.0 for the information!
Be careful about your assumptions.
Children with home computers likely to have lower test scores: http://papers.nber.org/papers/w16078