Lesson 5: Preferences of the Technology Generation

Florrie Jane M. Suralta                                    BSEd- GS4

Educational Technology 2                                   MW 3-5 pm

Lesson 5: Preferences of the Technology Generation

CONTENT- There is a generation gap between the old and young generations in terms of their hobbies, likes or interest. Also in education there is a gap. The following are the differences between young and old generations in educational system. First, the Single and Multi- track activity patterns. Old generation has slow and single track patterns of activities while new generations are more on the mullti- track patterns of activities with the use of technology. They are more on searching for videos, downloading, phone texts or online chatting, and others. Second is Text vs. Visuals. Before,the preferences for learning or source of information were books and they uses card catalogue for searching books and signing up to borrow or loan out books, while digital generation are more advanced and more on visual learning. Third is Linear vs. Hypermedia. Old generation learn in a sequential manner and obtain information in a linear and logical order. This made them more logical, focused and reflective thinkers, while new generations access information through computers in a random manner thus, they were not able to develop those skills. Fourth is Independent vs. Social learners. Traditional education system prioritize independent learning, while new generation learners work or perform activities by group, thus developing their interpersonal intelligence. Fifth is Learning to do vs. Learning to pass the test. Before, teachers teach students for them to pass the test and even though they do not like or are not interested with the topics, they have to study to pass the exam. While today, teachers teach for students to acquire skills they need in the future. Sixth, Rote memory vs. Fun learning. Teachers deliver the information base on the subject matter. While now, digital learners make their learning fun and through this, they were able to have meaningful learning. Lastly, Delayed rewards vs. Instant gratification. Before, the rewarding system consists of grades, medal, certificates and honor and were usually given at the end of the school year or every after periodical exams. While digital learners experience immediate gratification through scores from games, from email chats and others. Teachers need to connect with the new generation learners to bridge the gap.

EXPERIENCE- In the traditional education system, I’ve experienced it during elementary years. Our teacher would just write our lessons in the board and let us copy then she will discuss and we will have our exams. We merely memorize what we had copied in our notes but does not internalize the real meaning of our lesson. When we had assignments, we rely solely on books because computers are not available. But during in secondary level, some of our teachers gave us activities that needs the use of internet. When there are activities, we are grouped and assign the tasks to each members. Activities like research papers or role playing with the aid of multimedia.

REFLECTION- As future teachers, we do want our students to have meaningful learning and acquire not only the knowledge but also the skills in which they will need in the future. It is important to integrate multimedia when we teach because students learn more when they see pictures or video clips about the topic discussed. In giving activities, we should put in our mind that students would enjoy making the activity, cooperate with each other and use their skills in manipulating multimedia products. We should implement output- based projects as assessment for their learning and not merely pencil and paper test.

APPLICATION- When we are already in the field of teaching, we should:

Ø  Apply technology in teaching the lessons.

Ø  Provide activities that would make use of the audiovisuals and multimedia.

Ø  Use multimedia project- based as output of students.

Ø  Cope up or be with the learning styles of the students. Use teaching methods or strategies that would cater their intelligence and their interests.