Reflection #4

“Is it Age or IT?” is a relevant look at the Net Generation and the way they view technology. As far as education is concerned, those belonging to this generation truly want the best of both worlds – face-to-face learning as well as learning through activity-enabled technology. And why shouldn’t they want the best of both? Students in the Net Generation have grown up on technology and have been educated primarily by Baby Boomers and members of Generation X. Because of their educational experiences, those in the Net Gen have experience with face-to-face learning as well as active learning through technology. Clearly, they see advantages of both. Then where, you might ask, is the problem? The problem lies with the fact that many of those responsible for educating Net Generation students believe occasional incorporation of technology into the curriculum is enough to reach the students they teach.

Much about the Net Gen and their views on technology has been learned. For example, it’s not so much the use of technology they crave, but more of the interactivity technology can provide. These students thrive on learning by doing- not by lecture. They are also social learners who prefer to work with a partner or in groups. They prefer learner-centered assignments as well. Yes, they believe technology is important, but it’s the active involvement from technology that matters most. For me and many other educators like me, this statement alone can affect the way in which technology is incorporated into the classroom.

As educators, if we are going to close the generational gap, we must begin by incorporating technology that ensures learner-centered, interactive assignments. If we believe we are reaching our students by occasionally integrating technology, then we are not reaching them at all. We must make sure we provide them with a combination of face-to-face learning opportunities as well as engaging, technology-assisted assignments that get them to think critically and reflectively. When we combine face-to-face learning with technology-rich active learning, we are not only reaching their educational needs, but we are also helping prepare the Net Generation for their future.

Another Reason to Appreciate “Is it Age or IT?: First Steps Towards Understanding the Net Generation?

This chapter was interesting on another level as well. Even though I’m part of Generation X, I realize I’m more like the Net Generation than I originally thought. For example, since I’ve started working on my masters, I’ve become better at composing online than by longhand. I have also turned my memory over to my smart phone (thank goodness!). I no longer try to memorize numbers or feel a need to carry a calendar in my purse. When going to meetings, I gladly show up with both my laptop and my PDA…gone are the days of taking a legal pad. I’m constantly connected whether it’s through my laptop or my phone or both. I can multitask pretty well but probably not as well as the Net Gen. I will occasionally play video games with my kids and have been known to play Rock Band with my neighbors. In addition, I share some of the same attributes as those in the Net Gen. For example, I consider myself a determined and hopeful person. I enjoy learning the latest technology, and I still like my parents. I become frustrated when things don’t work or run as quickly as I like, and I cannot stand negativity. Therefore, it seems as though I’m not as far removed from those I teach. Which leaves me with this question-Am I more like those in the Net Generation because of my continued education, or is Generation X similar to the Net Generation?