iPod.
iPhone.
iPad.
iTouch.
Dr. Larry D. Rosen has coined a new term for the upcoming generation immersed in technology: the iGeneration. The following characteristics describe this generation, which refers to today’s elementary, middle, and high schoolers (born in the 1990s and beyond):
-Technology is all around them, much of it invisible.
-They have grown up with the internet.
-They consume massive quantities of media.
-They utilize a variety of communication technologies.
-They are adept at multitasking.
-They have a unique learning style, a need for constant motivation and collective reflection, and a desire for immediacy.
The following table shows the time (hours:minutes) children and teens spend using technology and media each day:
Rosen, L.D. (2009). Technology and media use by children and teens. [online image] Retrieved 4/28/11 from http://drlarryrosenmemyspaceandiblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/welcome-to-igeneration.html
Clearly these new technologies have redefined communication, thinking, and interaction. Children who are immersed in such technology have difficulty focusing on traditional methods of teaching in the classroom, where students listen to the teacher, compose work with paper and pencil, and engage in solitary thinking.
How will education respond?
References:
Rosen, L.D. (2010). Rewired: Understanding the igeneration and how they learn. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Rosen, L.D. (2009, August 27). Welcome to the igeneration! [Web log comment]. Retrieved from www.drlarryrosenmemyspaceandiblog (2011, April 28).
You brought up a good point that hadn't considered...students today literally grew up with the internet. They've always had information at their fingertips and been able to access it quickly.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience, students are generally more engaged when teachers use technology to enhance/teach lessons, especially when students get to use technology during learning activities.