LESSON 5: PREFERENCES OF THE TECHNOLOGY GENERATION

Content:        

“Preferences of the Technology Generation” is about differentiating the inclinations of the past-30 years old generation and the new digital generation. A lot of differences were introduced in this lesson as to texts versus visuals, linear versus hyper media, independent versus social learners, learning to do versus learning to pass the test, delayed rewards and instant gratification, and rote memory versus fun learning. This variances somehow create the generation gap which can possibly destroy the future of our digital learners.

Experience:

Justly, I experienced some of the traditional ways of learning but I still experienced almost all the learning ways of the digital generation.

When I was in High School, I was this person who researches through reading books. But now in college I am already downloading videos and PDF’s for my reports. I can also learn better when I am with other persons like classmates and friends because my learning style is interpersonal. I am more into social learning than independent learning. And I am this kind of person who wants every learning to be fun not a responsibility or an obligation.

Reflection:

Having known the way students of new generation learn best, I can now prepare myself to teaching them in a way they prefer to be. I would say that this generation is demanding but this will serve as a challenge to me as a product also of this generation. This lesson helped me know the preferences or likes of my students which I can use in targeting the skills that they need to acquire as learners of this era.

As I can see, digital world is much advantageous compared to the old one. But it’s also unquestionably true that old teachers and old ways of learning have big impact to where we are right now. In all honesty, I’m really into the digital generation for it has a lot of opportunities and ways in acquiring information but let us also be aware of its limitations for “too much of everything is not good”. We may find this generation fun and easy, but let us not forget that too much is also expected on us. If we say that new generation is better than the old then we must surpass the things that they have achieved in the past.

Application:

This lesson will serve as a needs analysis to me as a student-teacher. I can better help my students in their everyday endeavors in school for I am already aware of their inclinations. In addition, it will give me the idea of making appropriate strategies for my digital generation students. Knowing the preferences of students is not just solely for them but also for the teachers to understand their learning styles.