I believe that the Digital Natives and the Net Gen learner do in fact learn differently than the Digital Immigrants or those who have adopted new technology but were not raised using it. Whether it is computers, video games, or cell phones, technology has always been a part of the Net Gen’s lives. According to the text Educating the Net Generation the Net Gen consists of those who were born between 1982 and 1991. This means that the Net Gen consists of those people who are currently in colleges and universities or have just entered the workforce. That said, now is the time to take a serious look at how we are reaching and educating those of the Net Gen that are currently enrolled in school.
According to the text Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age technology is literally altering or rewiring our brains. The tools or technology we use define and shape our thinking. This is evident in almost everything the Net Gen does. Take video games for instance. Those who are not part of the Net Gen would most likely read any documentation that game with the game before trying to use or play the game. Not the Net Gen, they are most likely to put the new game in and learn by doing. Or take for example a new piece of software. Those of the Net Gen are most likely to put the new software in and either rely on the software itself to provide instructions or just learn by doing. According to the text Educating The Net Gen “this is how the Net Generation learns: by doing.”
This is why it may be time to re-think how we are educating the Net Generation. Because the use of technology is literally altering the way we think, we must approach the way in which learn and teach. According to Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age for the Net Gen know-how and know-what are being replaced with know-where, that is know where to find the knowledge needed. This is why it may be time to turn away from lecture based classes and start utilizing new approaches to teaching in which the class is engaged and involved in the learning process. The learn by doing method would be ideal for most of the Net Generation. Problems and classes in which the students are engaged and must use the technology they have available to them to find solutions to problems that are presented.
I believe that these ideas and concepts are not radical by any stretch of the imagination. Being a part of the Net Generation myself these ideas seem to make sense. I am much more likely to try to learn by doing. In the event that I do not know how to do something I am very likely to use all the technology I have at my disposal to figure out the solution to a given problem. Whether it be turning to the Internet to find help or sending a friend who I think may have the know-how an email for their assistance. If I do not have the know-how I am very likely to start looking for assistance from any reliable source that I have available. I believe, the know-where concept makes a lot of sense and holds true for instances in which I do not have the know-how or know-what.
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