2nd Blog – Language of Today’s Students

Week 2

Well, it turns out that I am a part of Generation X, born very early within the date range.  Most of what was written in the articles for this week’s readings is something that I can relate to.  However, since I am not a teacher working with the Net Generation I cannot comment on whether or not all that was written is totally accurate about the Net Generation and their education.  Therefore, the following is a brief contrast between the generalizations made of the Net Generation and me personally as part of Generation X.

1. The Net Generation has used the Web since the age of 11 or younger.  I did not surf the Web until around the age of 33.  That is a 22 year gap that is missing in my education.  Wow!  No wonder the Internet comes easier for them.
2. For the Net Generation, the Internet is a vehicle for interaction – a way to communicate with friends, participate in chat room discussions, and stream video along with a myriad of other activities.  This is what they want in a classroom setting as well.  My classroom setting consisted of lectures given by the teachers and the most interactive “technical” activity was having a student write on a chalkboard.  A huge difference in the educational experience.
3. When the Net Generation wants information, they expect it immediately and seek it themselves by using such things as WeatherBug for the day’s weather prediction instead of watching the local TV news and waiting for the weather to go on, getting their driving directions from MapQuest or a GPS instead of a paper road map, and sending messages to their friends immediately using their smart phone to text instead of calling them on their landline phone.  Even though I did not grow up with these Internet/technology tools, I have found that I totally want and rely on instant information.  When the electricity goes out because of a hurricane for example, the only thing I really missed and wanted back immediately was the Internet.

It is certainly clear that the Internet has permeated almost every facet of life today.  Since the Net Generation has grown up with computers, the Internet, and all sorts of convenient and instant forms of technology, they most certainly expect and demand these forms of technology in their classroom education.  Since most instructors have not grown up with this technology, it can be hard for them to incorporate it into their teaching.  Teachers need to be aware of the ways their students learn and interact.  Learning never ends, even for teachers.  Teachers have a lot of catching up to do.