Bull, G. (2010). The always-connected generation. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(3), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november.aspx
Glen Bull characterizes the last few generations of Americans - the Silent generation of the Great Depression, the baby boomers, Generation X - and introduces readers to the first generation of the new millennium, the Always-Connected Generation. Since the 1950’s there has been a sharp rise in subscriptions from newspapers to blogs. Even the concept of personal computers has evolved from less than one per household to, on average, one per person. A recent study found that 80% of the Always-Connected generation sleep with a cell phone, ready to digest the latest in text messages, music, and social network updates. This 24-hour accessibility has a dark side, but there is opportunity to capitalize on the positive aspects in the classroom. Technology is getting smaller, faster, and smarter, and education needs to keep up.
How can teachers be part of keeping up with technology in the classroom?
Bull acknowledges the generation gap between teachers and students, but suggests that teacher preparation, regardless of age, is key for successfully implementing technology in schools. Most adults are now capable of basic Internet use and social network sharing, so district technology programs would not necessarily be starting from scratch. Scheduled training workshops and online demonstrations (like Atomic Learning) would be helpful in bridging the technology gap between instructors and learners.
What are some helpful tools that are easy to integrate?
The iPhone and other handheld devices are especially powerful. They are capable of transcribing speech (which is helpful when taking notes), recording high-definition video (with the option of wirelessly uploading videos to YouTube), storing high volumes of reading material (without adding the weight of books), and so much more. While these devices are relatively expensive, once districts make the switch, the convenience and connectedness provided will far outweigh the cost.
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