Preferences of Technology Generation
What Old Generation likes
may not be the same as what the New Generation prefers in Life, Work and
Leisure.
Much of the good things enjoyed by elders when they were students are no longer
available to the new generation.
Vocational, Cultural and Values classes that are widely used by old generations
during their time today, it is also available but it has been minimized due to
the emphasis on the basics of English, Mathematics and Science.
Text vs. Visual
Our parents read book text, enrich by illustrations and photos. In order to
research, they go to the school library, use the card catalogue for needed
books and sign up to borrow books for home reading.
The technology or digital generation has greater affinity to visuals (photo and
video) compared with texts. In fact, they have been exposed since childhood to
cable television and videos images especially cartoon characters and then to
compute images, in such manner and their visual fluency or abilities have
sharpened and enriched.
Linear vs. Hyper Media
The past-30 year old
generation obtained information in a linear, logical and sequential manner. On
the positive side, this made them more logical, focused and reflective thinkers.
The new generation, however, follows a personal random access to hyperlinked
digital information, less superior elders in focused and reflection. Thus, they
appear to be more easily bored and distracted during class lectures.
Independent vs. Social Learners
vs.
The traditional education
system gives priority to independent learning, prior to participative work.
New learners, however, are already acquainted with digital tools that adapt to
both personal and participative work. They take the opportunity for dozens of
instantaneous ways to communicate with others mobile calls and text, emails,
Facebook, YouTube, Myspace, twitter, wikis and etc. experts describe this mode
of digital learning as one that based on experimentation, discovery and
intuition.
Learning to do vs. To pass the test
vs.
Old teachers teach students in order to help them pass tests and complete the
course requirement.
On the other hand, the new digital learners simply wish to acquire skills,
knowledge and habits as windows of opportunity afford them to learn. Our
parents have completed a course and have engaged in a permanent job for most of
their lives. A different work situation awaits the digital generation with contractual,
multitask and multi-career opportunities in a digital world ahead of them.
Delayed rewards vs. Instant gratification
vs.
The traditional reward system in education
consists in the grades, honor certificates/medals and diplomas. Including
future jobs, the traditional rewards for the performance.
On the other hand. Digital learners on their own experience or more immediate
gratification through immediate scores from games, enjoyable conversation from
web-cam calls, excitement from email chats and inviting comments from their
Facebook accounts.
Rote memory vs. Fun learning
vs.
Teachers feel too obliged
to delivering content-based courses, the learning of which is measurable by
standard tests.
Digital learners and not surprisingly there is much fun in the digital
world outside the school.
Watch this simple
video clip about Preferences
of Technology Generation.
This is my report :)
