The following quote is from a report entitled "the Living and Learning
with New Media:Summary of Findings from the Digital Youth Project" commission by MacArthur Foundation - November 2008
"Social and recreational new media use as a site of learning. Contrary to adult perceptions, while hanging out online, youth are picking up basic social and technological skills they need to fully participate in contemporary society. Erecting barriers to participation deprives teens of access to these forms of learning. Participation in the digital age means more than being able to access “serious” online information and culture. Youth could benefit from educators being more open to forms of experimentation and social exploration that are generally not characteristic of educational institutions."
Read full report. Quite interesting.