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While doing some research about the virtual community called "Second Life," I came across this mandate on the blog of a 20-something. Not sure who actually gets the attribution, but here it is:

"21st Century education must address not only the needs, but also knowledge, skills, and attitudes which 21st century learners of all ages already bring to their educational experiences."

This is one loaded bullet. It comes at an interesting time for me, as my family is welcoming its brand new member, Jack, who was born June 1st. (Congratulations Mom and Dad!) By the time Jack is participating in his education, what form of communication will be commonplace in his schools?

And can Boomers imagine how to participate in that communication?

The bullet above applies just as pointedly to media and publishing. As we mess around with our learning curves, social networking, and online consumption, our brand new arrivals enter a world packaged for unlimited, no-boundaries communicating.

Meanwhile, that virtual community I mentioned is being followed by such entities as the U.S. Congress, nonprofits, and demographic researchers. It is so challenging for me to digest that I've decided to set aside a special place to tell you about my own exploration of it. You'll see that weekly in my "Virtual Thursdays" posts.

But let's let Jack have a First Life
Today, I'm full of questions, pondering Jack's world. If you've had a recent arrival in your family, tell me, how does it change your perspective? Are you getting that lurching feeling as you adjust to the world-from-his-eyes? Maybe it's a good exercise, like a fiction writer playing with point-of-view.

Whatever we may fancy about our newest generation, I think it's in the ball park to say they have vastly more potential for intelligence than we've ever encountered. That quote up top brought me back to my definition of "hacker." Check it out over at the Great Adaptations glossary.

And tell me what your grandkids have prompted you to do. Or stop doing.

I'll be back in a couple of days. Right now I'm boarding the teensy netherworld of a small plane, on my way to see Jack. Look up and wave at me if you're on I-80.

Suzanna