Last fall, I worked with my new editor to revised and update You Posted What!?
There were sections of the book that I wanted to update and change since I originally wrote the book in 2013. I’m amazed at how much our world has changed. As I reviewed the chapters, I felt like I was opening a time capsule. Predictions and observations made by recruiters, futurists, and startup founders came true.
The Digital Revolution is transforming every aspect of our lives. As we adapt to this brave new world, understanding how technology, especially digital technology is a tool is crucial.
We’ve become immersed in our hourly timeline feeds. Floating along this digital river of endless information we forget our mobile devices are just a tool. Technology will always be a tool. How we use this tool will determine the impact: positive, negative, or a combination of both.
In the original book, I wrote about how Big Data was gaining popularly and how businesses were using our online data to generate a profit. Now, colleges are using Big Data to determine the ROI for a student application and to verify information. Families who do not understand how digital technology is being used to screen college and employment applications will be left behind.
Today, everyone has a digital profile and online identity regardless if you are on Twitter or not. Back when I wrote You Posted What!? parents and educators were concerned with teens’ digital postings and for good reason. However, beyond a few beer photos and teens having fun, the concern should be placed on how companies such as Facebook are using our data and how this data provides a very detail picture of who we are, what we do, and what we think.
Another trend gathering steam is the use of gamification to verify a college graduate’s skills and knowledge instead of relying solely on the individual’s college diploma. Companies such as Ernst & Young UK, Google, and Whole Foods do not require diplomas instead use software testing and real-time problem-solving techniques to screen candidates. This shift in hiring will impact us and our children.
To help teens and parents, I have included strategies on how to use technology to learn new subjects, build a memorable digital profile, and find employment that aligns with your teen’s skills and strengths. I’ve added more online information in the Resource section as well. You Posted What!? is an essential guide to help you, your children, students, and educators.