In the famous words of Captain Jack Sparrow, “Yah savvy?”  Though originally meant in a different context, this question is popular among people when referring to technology.  A typical public school classroom has at least one computer, college campuses rely on technology-enhanced facilities, and businesses across the country have adopted the newest tech tools as a means to manage their projects.  It is clear that being tech-savvy is quickly becoming an essential quality in achieving academic and professional success.

According to The Power of Pow! Wam!: Children, Digital Media and Our Nation’s Future (Shore, 2007), “Electronically-enabled experiences fill daily life at home, at work, and in our communities.  This trend is likely to accelerate…” (p. 4).  Being tech-savvy not only means having knowledge about technology, but also being able to apply that knowledge in different technological situations.  It is important that this trend accelerates among adults as well as children because there are many benefits to being tech-savvy.

First, with technology changing so rapidly, tech-savvy people are able to adapt more efficiently to new communication methods.  Grandparents can video chat with their grandchildren from across the world.  Parents can share photographs in family blogs.  School children taking a foreign language can practice, in real-time, their skills with school children in other countries.  In this case, being-tech savvy opens doors we never thought possible.

Second, in an educational context, learners can now access innovative content around-the-clock without wasting time and money commuting to and from campus locations.  Being tech-savvy enough to navigate and use eLearning courses to their full potential is a quality that maximizes knowledge intake and minimizes costs.

Third, as more technology becomes available, it is clear that being tech-savvy can simplify daily life.  Whether it is checking out your groceries at the local supermarket or picking up your kids from school, technology is present.  We should take advantage of the opportunities we have to absorb technology in order to start working with it rather than against it.  Just like those generation “Y” learners, we need to jump on the technology ship and start racing full speed ahead!