The term “generation Net” is often used to refer to the people who were born between 1980 and 2000. This is the largest generation in American history (100 + million). These “N-Geners” possess a “digital DNA” and their intuitive use of technology and peculiar characteristics are quickly changing the landscape of education.
Today’s “Hot Topics Wednesdays” episode is devoted to the topic of “Psychology of Generation Net”. It also provides several practical strategies that can help online teachers and trainers to accommodate these unique people.
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Thanks for this article. I just posted this in one of my online classes (Tech, Society, and Culture). We are discussing Technology and Globalization this week. “See” you on Monday night at your webinar!
Brian, you are so sweet! Thank you. I hope it was helpful!
I read a great article a few yrs ago titled Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky where he outlines that we(boomers) are immigrants to this area , like those who immigrated to this country back in the early 1900′s. They had top learn a new language, customs etc. We are the same , we have to learn the Digital world. The Natives already have the knowledge – the generation today is “inborn” with in . They multi task much better than we ever did or could. We are the TV generation, they are the multimedia generation. Worth reading.
Thanks so much, Jim. It is indeed a greart article!
This is great insight into the N-geners. As a teacher for 40 years, I can verify that all of those attributes are correct. The problem is that the public schools are not designed to meet their learning needs due in part to the forced overcrowding of the classrooms due to budget constraints of the economy. I realize you are talking about online learning, but these are lessons which everyone connected with this generation can use in relating to them! Thank you!
Thank you, Sue. I totally agree with you! What can we talk about when mobile learning or even youtube is not allowed in many schools… We need to teach the way the students learn NOW, not when we were kids… but it requires systemic change, and as we know that is a VERY slow process..
Interesting article. However I do believe that education will always be based on relation and content. You can have a teacher that understand how to communicate and interact via a webcam but if the content is bad, he still will be a bad teacher.
Technology change the way we learn, it is a fact. But human beings doesn’t change so easily, but they coop with the new tools that are on their hands.
This “Generation. Net” is already old. A new wave of virtual technology is going to revolutionize the comportment of each of us. It will be in your car, home, office etc. You will be able to see in 3D your friends and interact with them, your home will be smart etc….In fact the next big revolution will be when computer, smartphone, tablet will be unnecessary to communicate. All the data you ll need, will appear without machine and will be delivered to you with “nano devices”. We can already do it with nanotechnologies. At this point, maybe in 20 years, human being will really begin not to coop, but change.
Because human being and technology will symbiose.
I remember before the world discovered internet, we had the Minitel in France in the early 80′s. It was possible to send messages to someone via a mini computer and to answer to it. Did really French people change because of That? I don’t think so.
David, what an insightful post!!! Love your ideas and your way of expressing yourself. Thanks so much for sharing.
great video! I think you’re right – learner needs are so diverse! are you finding that generation Y youngsters are not only demanding more engaging online education – but are also more and more wanting to be involved in the co-creation of educational tasks/modules – such that the feedback loop is almost synonymous with educational design? would LOVE to hear your views on this – am a fan already
Imran
Absolutely, Imran! I agree. They want to have not just student-centered, but student-DRIVEN classrooms where they have a say on every aspect of learning! That is what Dr. LaGanza and I are talking about in our book, “The Golden Climate in Distance Learning”- check it out on my site. Thanks for the kind words. Did you subscribe to my blog?
Hi Marina
I agree totally with your summary! Having four teenage girls in this household, (so all Generation Net-ters), I would concur that they have the concentration span of a gnat, or 8 seconds as you say! They do all multi-task – listen to music, watch YouTube, same-time chat with 14 friends and tell me they are doing homework! The eldest 2 (twins) got amazing A Level results and are at Kings College London (Bio Med Science) and Leeds University (English Lit & Lang), living the life! The 16 year old just got her 14 GCSE results and will go on to 6th Form to study interactive media! And the little one (13) just won two school awards for effort. They can create any sort of PowerPoint, website, YouTube clip……. etc, etc in the time it takes me and my partner to think how do we do that????
We do need to make learning fun and interactive. I would agree that one of our biggest contributions as an older generation/teacher/parent, is timeless, its the emotional support, which we can share in that nano second when they ask for help.. or we sense something’s not quite right….. and ask, “what’s the matter darling?”
Kind regards
Susie
Susie, you provided invaluable comments. Thank you so very much for sharing your personal story. Love the emphasis of emotional support- it is crucial. I agree!
Great information and advice! One of the better ones on the subject. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Jose! You are the best:-)