The Net Generation

The article “The Net Generation” by Scott Carlson sparked my interests in a major way; I forwarded the article to a lot of people. Its controversy between generations is moving and it is interesting to see the different sides of the topic. I felt like I could relate to the students who multitask and really started to take in how important it is to be techno-savvy for when I am a teacher to speak to the needs of my future students. However, at the same time, we do not need to alter everything teachers are already doing. Being a part of the ‘Net Generation’, often also referred to as the ‘ADD Generation’, I know firsthand that we tend to do a lot of things at once, whether or not we are taking in 100% of the material presented to us. We need to learn to give our or attention to things one at a time, we are often seen ignoring people to finish our text message, email and blog update. I myself am guilty of using my laptop in class to take notes while slipping over to facebook or email.

Also our generation can be ignorant (as I am sure every generation has and will be in its younger years) and rude. The student who, when asked to pay attention responded with "I'm listening.. I have an A in your course, and can repeat back what you said" needs to have an attitude adjustment. Just back we feel we can multi-task during class does not mean we should, there is a loss of respect for the fine individuals who are trying to teach us. As an education major, I can only imagine teaching a course and not receiving any silent feedback from my students, no eye contact, no expression. I might as well be talking to a wall, or better yet, a computer screen. When we stick our noses in our computers we lose that personality and personal contact that is often so vital in a classroom.