Changes and challenges facing our new generation

Abstract

Robert, my 11-year-old nephew, was tapping away on his computer, demonstrating to me this versatile, sophisticated electronic apparatus which, to put it mildly, made my mind boggle. Switching over at the touch of a couple of keys from the CD ROM about the seven wonders of the world to the computer video - complete with stereophonic sound - of the famous men who helped shape this century, little does Robert realise and indeed understand the evolution of this marvellous invention which, to our young students today, is as part of their daily lives and studies as their normal text books. Whereas in my time one felt a true scholar doing research work browsing through the huge, thick volumes of the encyclopedia Britannica taking pride of place in our school library, the up and coming generation have got it all there at the touch of a button. [excerpt]