Blog Reflection #4

Let me begin by saying that I am not a member of the Net Generation and none of this technology business comes easily for me. I am a Baby Boomer (I won't say how old) who remembers my first encounter many years ago with a "monster" computer that was located in the computer center at my university. No one really know how to use that thing...or at least that's what I thought...I just remember those cards with holes punched in them and throngs of students waiting in line just trying to find someone who could help. I must say I have come a long way...I even have my own laptop... but I still get that nervous feeling in my stomach when I'm facing an assignment that entails new technology.

I'm amazed when I see Net Genners like "Eric" that are able to multi-task with so many "technology gadgets" throughout the day as if it were just their second nature. I see many of these enlightened kids in elementary school. As the article stated, I know that they feel that one of the biggest problems they face is the poor example that we adults set for them. This is extremely bothersome to me, and I am determined to learn as much as I can to try to change that. I will need them to help me!

I agree that it is not so much a person's generation that determines the category into which we may fall, but rather that it is exposure to technology. We all come from different backgrounds, but with patience and perseverence, we baby boomers will be able to become effective users as well.

In response to the questions posed in Is it Age or IT: First Steps Toward Understanding the Net Generation I am actually more comfortable composing a document online than in longhand. I can type much faster than I can write, and it is so much easier to make corrections and end up with a more attractive product. I have all of my phone numbers programmed into my cell phone. The downside is that I can't even tell you my children's numbers from memory. I do not yet carry a laptop or PDA to meetings as a general practice, but there are times when I use them for various reasons. I'm trying to learn to use a MacBook, but I have not had the time to master that yet. I was surprised at how different they are from a PC, but I hear from many of you that I need to keep at it. I loved the quote from the article that many members of the Net
Generation feel that the internet is like oxygen. I am logged into the internet almost continually either at home or work and make it a point to keep my cell phone with me at all times. In fact, we don't have a land line at our new home but have opted to use our cell phones instead. The only problem with that is that people sometimes have difficulty getting in touch with me if they don't have my number. Sometimes that is not a bad thing! :-)

I really have a hard time multi-tasking, so I am usually engaged in only one activity at a time. That was what was so amazing about "Eric" from the article we read. He seemed to comfortably use several devices at once. I have never been interested in video or computer games. That is probably because they weren't around until after I had kids and became a working mother. After that, who had time for games? I was lucky to get dinner on the table and maybe take a long bath.

Again, I consider myself a baby boomer, but hopefully as I become more familiar with technology, I will be able to assume more characteristics of the Generation X category. However, I don't think I will ever catch up with the Net Generation.

There is definitely a lot to be learned in order for us to teach this new generation effectively. We must pay attention to their learning styles and interests such as their ability to multi-task and their demand for fast response times. As we immerse ourselves into technology and become more comfortable with it ourselves, we will not be considered a hindrance but rather facilitators in their learning.