Week 3: A New Generation of Learners & Education

           The reading assigned in class, “Web 2.0: A New Generation of Learners and Education,” was an interesting and relevant read. The reading highlighted the numerous benefits and changes that have come about from the fusion of technology and education.

            The section “Web 2.0 Students” illuminated the creation of a culture that my generation has adapted to with ease and acceptance. The article opens with an introduction to the different names often applied to today’s generation of learners.

           

            “The term Web 2.0 students, along with other terms, such as the Net

            Generation and Digital Natives, is a popular catch phrase often thrown out.

            These terms identify a new generation of individuals who are comfortable,

almost natural, at using digital technologies.”

            The article then illuminates the saturation of our lifestyle with technology. We, as learners, welcome technology in our learning endeavors with open arms because of the convenience and effectiveness it brings to the table. The reading contained some interesting and relevant facts about technology’s role in our society of Net Geners.

They are presented as follows:

            This generation is unique in that it is the first to grow up with digital

            and cyber technologies. Not only are Net Geners acculturated to the

            use of technology, they are saturated with it. By the time he or she

            has reached 21 years of age, the average NetGener will have spent

            • 10,000 hours playing video games,

            • 200,000 e-mails,

            • 20,000 hours watching TV,

            • 10,000 hours on cell phones, and

            • under 5,000 hours reading (Bonamici et al., 2005).

            When I first read over these facts, I had to go back and read them several more times. I immediately questioned what my life had come to because I have certainly contributed to those facts on a daily, if not hourly, basis. Although at first I was taken back and embarrassed at the amount of time and trust I put into the use of technology, I was quickly reminded later in the reading that the enhancement of learning provided by technology is a great, and a bad thing. When I am in the professional world of attorneys I will be dealing with clients and fellow attorneys on a daily basis. Being a “Net Gener” will allow me to adapt and take advantage of the opportunities and conveniences that technology has provided and will provide in the future.
           
             This video explains the evolution of our society into a new generation of learners. Professor Don Tapscott explains the shift to the digital age through a synopsis of the trends of America. From the generation of baby boomers to the growing digital baby we have created (the Internet), Professor Tapscott covers it all.