Net Gen Learners – An opposing view!
I wrote this blurb in my other class that I am taking and thought it would be pretty interesting to share.
The Task: We had to write a posting from the perspective of the opposing view of what I really believe about net gen learners!
Did you know?
Since the evolution of the internet, the world has not changed. We think we are using the internet to create learning opportunities for students at a distance but what we are creating are opportunities for distance students to be even more isolated and out of sync with the world.
Did you know?
There are more books in the library than on the internet. Net Gen learners have no interest in the instant access to information, nor are they creative enough to author and publish content online. They use social media tools to be alone on the internet surfing information that has no relevance to them. The technology itself is the hindrance to the process of learning.
Did you know?
Educators today are the center of the teaching learning process. Their main focus is preparing students to write the exam and to constantly avoid opportunities to use technology. They do not have time to enhance their skills through professional development and believe that if they hold on to their traditional ways of teaching, nothing will change.
Did you know?
Net Gen Learners can’t wait to put away their mobile phones and laptops to listen to teachers who will lecture for most part of the class. Their motivation, and enthusiasm for learning is driven by linear presentation of information and they are often engaged by textbooks that have no images, no voice, no video, no multi-media.
Did you know?
The future is bleak. Educators have to create opportunities for learning by making no effort to adopt technologies, no effort to understanding learners and how they learn, and no effort to support their learning through instant feedback. Net gen learners expect to be told what to do, how to do it and when to do it. They use technology for the sake of using technology and although they Tweet and Facebook, they have no sense of community and sharing capabilities.
So what does this all mean?
We are doomed.
Pushing the Limits 
Great post, I like what you said about distance education and giving more students opportunities to study online. In another class we had this discussion about giving students more space by widening their education alternatives through online learning. As teachers, we have those students who are not comfortable in talking or mingling with others, however this turns wrong when they learn online. They show interest and progress. So, we are just giving more students more options to suit their needs. But I do agree about the isolation part. It diminishes people social relations and I miss that part in the classes I take online.
October 29, 2010 at 11:41 pm
This was a very interesting post!
If those things were, in fact true, I agree we would be doomed.
Thank heavens our students are self-directed, connected learners. I’m grateful we have access to information to support our learning, and that we have dedicated educators who are willing to guide students along the way.
October 30, 2010 at 11:45 pm
I agree with the comments, this was an illuminating exercise> I particularly liked “Educators today are the center of the teaching learning process. Their main focus is preparing students to write the exam and to constantly avoid opportunities to use technology. They do not have time to enhance their skills through professional development and believe that if they hold on to their traditional ways of teaching, nothing will change.” It genuinely reflects the practical position of many educators.
October 31, 2010 at 1:54 am
Well done!
October 31, 2010 at 3:21 am
I think that this is an interesting post in that there are many teachers out there that would be unable to see the irony and would agree with the statements.
November 1, 2010 at 3:08 am
It is always healthy to think about things from an opposing point of view. Often in doing so, one strengthens one’s own thinking. Great post!
November 1, 2010 at 3:21 am
I agree with Danielle. I think that if I showed this to some of my teachers, they might agree!
Good job on this post Shalini. I think I will use it as a starting point for a technology discussion in my school.
November 2, 2010 at 3:09 am
There is a fair bit of research that opposes the notion about Digital Learners and how they really learn. Some argue that the is too much hype and not enough evidence concerning the “Net generation”. To learn more, check out http://www.netgenskeptic.com/2010/10/digital-future-of-higher-education.html
November 23, 2010 at 12:23 am