Blog
Reflection #4
In the chapter, Is it Age or IT: First Steps TowardsUnderstanding the Net Generation, the author sets forth several implications
for educating the generations of learners present in higher education today.
What many assume about the Net Gen, or traditional learner, is not necessarily
true. This group of learners wants to be engaged in a hybrid
(face-to-face/online) learning environment with a healthy balance of technology
integrated. As opposed to many of the non-traditional students wanting the
online environment due to the reality of work, family, etc.
Several questions are posed in relation to technology not
just being an age related phenomenon. Ask yourself and answer the following -
you may be surprised at your answers.
•
Are you more comfortable
composing documents online than longhand?
•
Have you turned your
"remembering" (phone numbers, meetings, and so on) over to a
technology device?
•
Do you go to meetings with
your laptop, iPad, or tablet?
•
Are you constantly
connected? Is the Internet always on whether you are at home or work? Is your
cell phone always with you?
•
How many different
activities can you effectively engage in at one time?
•
Do you play video or computer
games?
What generational category do you fall in or are you a
mixture of a few?
This article focused on implications primarily for higher
education; however, the characteristics for the Net Gen remain true for students
in K12. What and how do we need to change?
