Educating the Net Generation

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Educating the Net Generation

• What I learned on August 18, 2005
• By Laura H. May, MEd, RD
• Adjunct Faculty, Nutrition
• Mesa Community College

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Who is the Net Generation?

• Those who grew up with computer access at home
  and/or school
• Loosely defined as anyone born after 1982 (age 23
  and younger)
• Computer literacy varies widely
• Socioeconomic factors
• School use of computers/Internet
• Access to computer/Internet at home

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What other technologies can/do they access?

• Cable or satellite TV
• Videos, DVDs, CDs
• Graphing calculators
• Cell phones
• Text messaging, Internet access
• Digital and/or video camera
• Calculator, alarm clock, stop watch
• Distinct ring tones, skins

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How technology has shaped their view of the world

• They want it NOW
• They want it IN COLOR
• They want INTERACTIONS
• They are used to MULTITASKING
• They expect YOU (the instructor) to understand
  the technology
• They may not know how it works

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They want it NOW

• Instant access to course materials
• Fast-loading graphics
• Instant feedback
• Email response
• Assignment/quiz grading
• Instant answers
• Google, Wikipedia, other online resources
• Instant access to student services
• Online registration
• Online grades

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They want it in color

• PowerPoint presentations
• With all the bells and whistles
• Graphics (i.e. Flash animations)
• Videos, DVDs, Video games
• Interactive learning materials

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They want INTERACTIONS

• They communicate with peers frequently using
  email, text messaging, instant messaging, cell
  phones, chat rooms
• Friends and associates
• Online friends
• Complete strangers
• Classmates

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They are used to MULTITASKING

• They dont sit quietly to do homework
• Can do homework, surf the net, IM friends, chat
  on the phone, and watch TV all at the same time
• They respond well to the use of more than one
  mode of delivery at a time
• Neuroplasticity- their brains are flexible
  because theyve been flexed
• Use more than one method of delivery to enhance
  retention

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They expect YOU to understand the technology

• They never experienced life before computers
• They used it in high school, if not sooner
• They are fast learners when it comes to figuring
  out how to use technology
• but
• They may not understand how it works
• Rely on others for troubleshooting
• If something doesnt work, they will hit the
  PANIC button (SEND) and email you for help

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Challenges presented by the Net Generation

• Faculty are not of the Net Generation
• Our college experiences were very different
• Classrooms and workspaces may not meet the needs
  of the Net Generation
• Technology-enhanced, informal classrooms and
  workspaces
• Technology changes rapidly
• Lifelong learning a must

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Face-to-face classroom tips

• PowerPoint-enhanced lectures
• With sound and animation
• Rearrange classroom to facilitate collaborative
  learning and the use of technology
• Active learning
• Supplement online
• Post gradebook, PowerPoints, other materials
  from class

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Teaching online tips

• Net generation prefer web-enhanced or hybrid
  courses to totally online
• Learn the technology
• Take a few courses
• Learn the student perspective
• Take a few online courses
• Stay connected through frequent communication
  with students
• Respond to emails
• Timely feedback and grading
• Provide online tutorials to show how to use the
  technology used in the course

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Where do we go from here?

• Technology upgrades to keep up
• Create learning spaces to meet needs of Net
  Generation
• Faculty retooling
• Learn new skills to teach a different kind of
  learner
• Administration retooling
• Learn about and respond to the needs of Net
  Generation students

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The End

• Thanks, MCLI!