From One Generation to the Next
The App Generation was enlightening to view both the positives and negatives of the use of technology. To an extent, I felt it connected greatly the elements presented in the Information Diet, but it wasn’t solely focused on information consumption; it was more holistic and focused more on the learner’s lifestyle along with the habits of an entire generation.
I work with a wide range of ages; my learners range from Gen Y, Gen X, and Gen Z. Therefore, the way they interact with technology is different; it’s not about their ability to interact with technology, but rather it’s about their views on technology mixed with their culture.
Here’s a quick example: my mom boils eggs on the stove with water whereas I use an egg maker to boil my eggs while taking a shower and getting ready in the morning. We have two different habits to complete the same task. Gardner does the same throughout his book as he compares some of his childhood growing up to today’s children.
I think the challenge of being an educator is to identify with each generation and adapting. Again, it’s similar to what we learned with the Information Diet. Depending on the age group and generation, we have to teach our learners how to consume information responsibly and in a healthy, balanced way. But we need to be able to discern the cultures and habits of each generation in order to teach information consumption, digital citizenship, etc.
The App Generation discusses the three I’s (Identity, Intimacy, and Imagination). All of them were informative, but the one that piqued my interest was identity. I love learning about different cultures, habits, pop-culture, etc. Learning about the generation’s culture helps us understand the audience we’re educating and how to better cater to their learning needs. For example, the app generation would struggle with loneliness despite being connected via social media. How could I combat that as an educator? How can I teach students to value themselves rather than finding value through others? By understanding their culture and their connection to technology, I can better my designs as an educator.
I teach juniors and seniors and I see how they use technology differently, but similarly. They all use the same social media apps, but my juniors are more savvy using their phone to collaborate with their peers. I was shocked because they are only one year apart.
ReplyDeleteI agree that they struggle with loneliness, depression and social anxiety, because they are connected to the world, but they struggle with one on one communication. I watch them struggle when they have to present in front of their peers or talk to students or adults that they come in contact with. We as educators have to understand our learners, so that we can help them navigate the work world.
I love the example of two different ways you and your mom boil eggs. It totally helped me understand that apps can be a good thing. I always felt like I would rather do things the old fashion way because learning new things can take time. Indeed, each generation has its own culture. The key is to understand where each of us is coming from and find a common ground.
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