Level 6 Unit 3 Part3 Reading Digital Intelligence

The impact of technology is widespread and accelerating. Experts predict that 90% of the world’s population will connect to the Internet within 10 years or less. Evolving technology has become an unstoppable force, reshaping our societies, ignoring national borders, and interconnecting economics. There doesn’t seem to be any way to control it. However, one fact is certain: our kids are at the center of it.

accelerate ：英 [əkˈseləreɪt] 美 [ækˈsɛləˌret] vt. 促进;（使）加快，（使）增速;加速，催促;速度增加 vi. 加快，加速

Today’s children are born into a digital world. They use technologies and media from the time they begin to walk. Sometimes they have difficulty distinguishing between the virtual and the real worlds. In fact, children spend more time immersed in technology than they do with people, including their parents. It is estimated that they spend an average of 7 hours a day in front of some sort of digital device.

distinguish 英 [dɪˈstɪŋgwɪʃ] 美 [dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ] vi. 区分，辨别，分清;辨别是非 vt. 区分，辨别，分清;辨别出，识别;引人注目，有别于;使杰出，使著名

With the ever increasing amount and flow of information, digital proficiency may be the next survival skill. Therefore, it is essential that children learn how to develop that skill without losing themselves in the process. Guiding them is a challenge we need to face.

proficiency 英 [prə'fɪʃnsɪ] 美 [prəˈfɪʃənsi] n. 熟练，精通，娴熟

First, we need to realize that with so much exposure to content, there are both opportunities and dangers. What and when is something appropriate for children, and at what age? Who decides? Media is so pervasive and accessible, yet there is no consensus about what is suitable. People have different perspectives, not only about content, but also about how to govern access.

exposure 英 [ɪkˈspəʊʒə(r)] 美 [ɪkˈspoʊʒə(r)] n. 暴露;揭发;公开;（商品等的）展出

pervasive 英 [pəˈveɪsɪv] 美 [pərˈveɪsɪv] adj. 普遍的;扩大的;渗透的;弥漫的 adv. 无处不在地;遍布地 n. 无处不在;遍布

consensus 英 [kənˈsensəs] 美 [kənˈsɛnsəs] n. 一致;舆论;一致同意，合意

Governments must also decide what controls are necessary. Policies must be put into place and standards set. Whatever the decisions, the consequences will be enormous.

It seems naive to sit back and let children make their own decisions and explore whatever captures their fancy. So technology has presented us with a huge dilemma that will shape the future. Without a doubt, it’s an issue that parents and governments will need to address. Not only children need to develop a digital intelligence, but so do each and every one of us.

fancy 英 [ˈfænsi] 美 [ˈfænsi] vt. 想像;设想;想要;猜想 n. 设想;想像力;爱好;怪想 adj. （构思者）奇特的;昂贵的;（价格等）高价的;[美国俚语]真棒 vi. 想象，幻想

capture 英 [ˈkæptʃə(r)] 美 [ˈkæptʃɚ] vt. 俘获;夺取;夺得;引起（注意、想像、兴趣） n. 捕获;占领;捕获物;[计算机]捕捉