Am I acting like those teachers from 10 years ago?

I doubt that you are, seeing that you were able to go for what you wanted irrespective of what everyone said.

Did things change right under my eyes and I didn't notice?”.

I doubt this too, owing to the fact that you were able to convince your colleague to let his son dive into the abundance that the internet gives, and be a part of it.

If you ask me, I think you have always been on the right track, and you still are. You just need to stay up-to-date in the game and you are good to go