Grown+Up+Digital+Report+Chapters+5&9

Grown Up Digital By: Don Tapscott

Chapter 5: Rethinking Education-The Net Generation as Learners

As I read this chapter, I was astounded at the drop out rate of students in the United States. Many students are dropping out of school because of the boredom factor which makes me feel we, as teachers, need to change the way we are instructing students to make learning fun, enjoyable and engaging for all students who pass through our classrooms. We need to reach every student on an individual basis and make learning relevant to real world situations. I believe that in ways this means bringing many of the technology tools students use in their daily lives outside of school into the classroom environment. Technology can help with aspects of life long learning. Funding does effect how and when we can incorporate some of these technology tools into schools. On page 134 Tapscott talks about instruction to discovery. He states that Net Geners need to learn how to look for information, analyze, synthesize, and critically evaluate information that is found. I truly feel that this is what I need to do to have my students succeed in the 21st century. Teachers need to allow students to collaborate more by minimizing lecture time and allowing time for student discovery. I liked the quote that was stated by Seymour Papert, ‘The scandal of education is that every time you teach something, you deprive a child of the pleasure and benefit of discovery’. I truly never thought of teaching in this manner. Many schools are trying to change to one-size fits one environments from a one size fits all environment with technology tools and differentiated instruction but it is a slow process. I also liked the idea on page 140 to ask my students how he or she learns best. I have never done this and I don’t really know why. I have always had parents fill out information on their child but never thought of asking the individual student how he or she learns best. This is an amazing concept that would benefit both teacher and student.

Chapter 9: Obama, Social Networks, and Citizen Engagement-The Net Generation and Democracy

Before reading this chapter I did not realize how much influence the Net Generation had on the presidential campaign. The Net Generation can be very powerful with the use of technology tools to influence many people in a short amount of time. The web has given the net generation the power to act through social networks. Net Geners want government to be customizable, fast, and innovative. They/we want to be able to collaborate with politicians to help benefit communities throughout the United States. Net Geners will change the way government interacts with citizen in many ways in the next few years.