Generational Change

I have lived through many of the changes that have occurred to the different generations.  In fact I have two children born in the in generation X, and two born in the millennial generation. What I come to realize is that each one of them are unique in their own way. I have never thought of my children as generations X or millennial but as having their own particular characteristic which my husband myself tried to develop and bring to it full potential. It's not always easy to raise children and it certainly has to be a challenge to teach a group of children from all types of backgrounds.

I don't like to stereotype-it seems to me that is what the Prensky's article does. I was born the later part of what is known as the silent generation and I have seen some good things happen and not so good things. Technology has advanced so much that it seem that it is limitless. But if we start kindergartners off using computers and not teach them how to write their name, know their home address and use their brain to make wise decisions, what happens? I have talked to my brother and I wanted to know why he had not called. " I lost my phone, he said, and your phone number was in it. I don't even know your phone number." He is a baby boomer. My point is that generations can be grouped into these stereotypes but that does not make it a true fact. There is nothing wrong with using computers or being good at using them, but there should be a balance where that is not the only tool we use.

Parents can do a lot to controlling that. One of the excuses I hear from parents as to why their children have cell phone in school is that in case of an emergency. That is a good reason, but when you are in a classroom, therefore teachers should not have to tell students to put there phones away during class. If emergencies occur the teacher should have things under control. Everyone should not have their cell phone out taking pictures--that can add to the problem.

You can find rude people in every generation. You can also find pragmatic, polite, and all the other stereotypes listed in literature. I also recognized that there needs to be change in how we engage learners. As teacher getting to know your students is important. I also understand that there are times when class size is too large to obtain that goal. I hope that online teaching will help teacher have a blended learning atmosphere where students that need that extra attention can get it and those that can work independently can also thrive.

I like face to face conversations myself. I sometimes have trouble with online conversations. I'm hoping that this class will help me become more comfortable in this situation I feel like a "Digital Immigrant.