In a book titled Grown Up Digital, author Don Tapscott makes a compelling case that the generation that is now 12 to 30 is “reshaping the form and functions of school, work, and even democracy.” This generation, which he calls the Net Gen (also known as Millennials), has grown up on the Internet and all its incredible resources in much the way Baby Boomers and Gen Xers grew up on television. They are not in awe of this incredible technology; they take it for granted.

There is no question that the Internet is shaping the way this new generation thinks and behaves. Technology is a centerpiece of their daily education, work and social activities, whether it involves taking an online course, organizing a video conference at work, or staying connected with friends through Facebook.

However, I think Tapscott, and many others, sometimes inaccurately portray Baby Boomers and Gen Xers as techno dinosaurs being buried under the impact of this massive onslaught of new technology.

I know many Baby Boomers who have mastered their smart phones and embraced them not just as phones but as Web browers, MP3 players, video and still cameras, and text messaging tools. They also connect through Facebook, take online courses, and even Tweet from time to time. Everywhere I go, I see people of every generation tapping away at their smart phones. And, conversely, I know many younger people whose use of this vast array of technology offerings is sadly limited to their Facebook page and text messaging their friends.

A few months ago, WEAC started a Facebook page and, frankly, our expectation was that this was a tool that would be used primarily for our tech-savvy younger members. We didn’t know whether our older members would even notice.

Well, guess what? … 62% of WEAC’s 400 plus Facebook fans (so far) are 35 or older, and 17% are 55 or older. This week, 50% of our “active” fans (those who posted or commented on the page) were 45 or older.

I know part of the reason for this is that WEAC membership skews older. But no matter how you slice it, you have to conclude that WEAC members of the Baby Boom and Gen X generations are indeed embracing today’s technology. At least a good number of them are. And I am excited to see it.

I am currently working with several subgroups of our membership to develop content for our Web site as well as new social networking tools, and I must say that, without question, the largest and most enthusiastic interest so far has come from WEAC-Retired members. Surprised? I was too!

I always thought at this stage that our biggest challenge was going to be getting our older members interested in these tools. Now I am thinking maybe our biggest challenge will be getting our younger members actively involved.