Lesson 5: Preferences of the Technology Generation

What Old Generation likes may not be the same as what the New Generation prefers in Life, Work and Leisure. Much of the good things enjoyed by elders when they were students are no longer available to the new generation. 
Vocational, Cultural and Values classes that are widely used by old generations during their time today, it is also available but it has been minimized due to the emphasis on the basics of English, Mathematics and Science

Text vs. Visual  

Our parents read book text, enrich by illustrations and photos. In order to research, they go to the school library, use the card catalogue for needed books and sign up to borrow books for home reading. The technology or digital generation has greater affinity to visuals (photo and video) compared with texts. In fact, they have been exposed since childhood to cable television and videos images especially cartoon characters and then to compute images, in such manner and their visual fluency or abilities have sharpened and enriched. 




Linear vs. Hyper Media         

                      
 The past-30 year old generation obtained information in a linear, logical and sequential manner. On the positive side, this made them more logical, focused and reflective thinkers.

The new generation, however, follows a personal random access to hyperlinked digital information, less superior elders in focused and reflection. Thus, they appear to be more easily bored and distracted during class lectures.

Independent vs. Social Learners

The traditional education system gives priority to independent learning, prior to participative work.

New learners, however, are already acquainted with digital tools that adapt to both personal and participative work. They take the opportunity for dozens of instantaneous ways to communicate with others mobile calls and text, emails, Facebook, YouTube, Myspace, twitter, wikis and etc. experts describe this mode of digital learning as one that based on experimentation, discovery and intuition. 

Learning to do vs. To pass the test

Old teachers teach students in order to help them pass tests and complete the course requirement.

On the other hand, the new digital learners simply wish to acquire skills, knowledge and habits as windows of opportunity afford them to learn. Our parents have completed a course and have engaged in a permanent job for most of their lives. A different work situation awaits the digital generation with contractual, multitask and multi-career opportunities in a digital world ahead of them. 

Delayed rewards vs Instant gratification

The traditional reward system in education consists in the grades, honor certificates/medals and diplomas. Including future jobs, the traditional rewards for the performance. 

On the other hand. Digital learners on their own experience or more immediate gratification through immediate scores from games, enjoyable conversation from web-cam calls, excitement from email chats and inviting comments from their Facebook accounts.

Rote memory vs. Fun learning

Teachers feel too obliged to delivering content-based courses, the learning of which is measurable by standard tests.

Digital learners and not surprisingly there is much fun in the digital world outside the school.