Over the technology hill at 22

So, watching the debate last night with Matthew, my 12 year old, he was sitting there anxious that they talk about SOPA. Reminded me of being at the Apple Genius bar yesterday, talking to the, um, Genius about an iPad problem. Turns out the Genius had been homeschooled, and said that it really helped him, because his learning style is so individualistic. He said he learns so much more by himself than in a classroom.

I told him that my homeschooled son is the same way. Mentioned that I had no idea how much he had taught himself about Apple computers, and about the web, until I chanced to hear him conversing with a computer programmer at a neighborhood garden party. Blew me away. “Within 30 seconds, he was talking way over my head,” I told the Apple guy.

“Yeah, these kids,” he said, with a sigh. “They’ve grown up with this stuff. They know so much more. I probably shouldn’t even be behind this counter.”

“Hold on,” I said. “How old are you?”

“Twenty-two.”

Imagine that. Guy is 22 years old, and all washed up, because he’s pretty sure 12 year old geeks can kick his butt. This old world, I swear…